Health Minister Michael Ferguson has confirmed the clinics will take place in October, but said those eligible for the free vaccinations did not need to wait.

“Eligible Tasmanians can receive their free vaccination from their GP, some pharmacists (for children aged 10 and over), and local council vaccination clinics,” he said.

Nearly 70,000 doses of the vaccine have been delivered to GPs, pharmacies and councils since the expanded vaccination program began over a month ago in response to a localised outbreak of meningococcal W cases in Hobart’s north.

Mr Ferguson said it was important every Tasmanian aged from six weeks to 21 years was vaccinated against meningococcal A, C, W and Y – the strains covered by the program.

Anyone worried they may have symptoms of meningococcal disease should seek emergency medical care.

The Examiner will introduce a local news subscription package for online readers from September 18. Find out more here.