To allay fears associated with the COVID-19 vaccine the Tasmanian government will commence a program aimed at educating Tasmanians on the importance of the vaccine.
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Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the state program would run alongside a nation-wide campaign.
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"A comprehensive education and communications campaign will be rolled out in Tasmania," she said.
A study from UTAS in October last year showed that as high as 18 per cent of surveyed Tasmanians were apprehensive about getting the vaccine, but Ms Courtney said other vaccines in Tasmania were well received.
"We have high levels of take up of vaccinations here in Tasmania. I am confident Tasmanians will continue to take proactive steps to help keep their community safe," she said.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said not just Tasmanians, but Australians in general were typically open to vaccines.
"Australia is a vaccination nation. We are confident, given Australia's high vaccination coverage rates, Australians will take up a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in equally high numbers," he said.
Mr Hunt said the Commonwealth's education campaign was pending.
"A very detailed information program is under development to ensure people understand how the vaccine works, how it will keep them and their family safe, and the expected timing for their vaccination," he said. "It is important that all the community understands the importance of vaccinating for COVID-19."
A day after the vaccine announcement Tasmanian Public Health said on Saturday night the NSW Northern Beaches would be downgraded to a medium-risk classification, along with the other jurisdictions in NSW.
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