Vaccinations remain out of reach for many Tasmanians, according to Labor, who have called on the state government to conduct a one-year trial for free flu vaccines.
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There have already been 490 reported cases of influenza in Tasmania this year, compared to 452 for the whole of 2018.
Under the National Immunisation Program, the flu vaccine is free to people aged over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait people and people with other medical conditions. Children aged six months to less than five years can also receive a free state government-funded flu vaccine.
However, Labor health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said the government should be offering free vaccines for all Tasmanians not already covered by a government scheme.
"This is the time when presentations to the emergency department are at there highest," she said.
"All Tasmanians are being encouraged to vaccinate themselves and their families against the flu, but for many Tasmanians, this is out of reach. Any steps the minister can take now, to reduce pressure on emergency departments, to reduce pressure on the hospitals, he absolutely should be taking."
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About 30 per cent of Tasmanians received a flu vaccine in 2018. In 2017 there was 3505 cases of influenza in Tasmania and 21 deaths.
While the government has yet to release details of its 2019 winter plan, Health Minister Michael Ferguson said Public Health Services was distributing vaccinations for vulnerable population and had been engaging with aged care facilities.
"We are also in the process of further improving access to flu vaccinations and we'll have more to say about that soon," he said.
"The government looks to the Public Health director and chief medical officer for expert advice to inform state policies on vaccinations. Doctors advise vaccinations are the best way to protect against the flu, so I encourage every Tasmanian to receive one, either for free for those eligible, or for a low cost at many local pharmacies."