The state government will ensure Tasmania is at the leading edge of a national rollout of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, government minister Michael Ferguson says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Therapeutic Goods Administration on Monday approved the vaccine for use in Australia.
The vaccine, produced by Pfizer, is the first coronavirus vaccine to be approved for administration to Australians over the age of 16.
IN OTHER NEWS:
It has been approved on a provisional basis for two years.
Two doses of the vaccine will need to be taken at least 21 days apart from each other when the rollout begins
Government minister Michael Ferguson said Tasmanians could be assured the Pfizer vaccine was safe now it had been approved by the TGA.
"The Therapeutic Goods Administration is one of the most conservative, and at the same time, one of the most professional therapeutic goods organisations in the world," he said.
"When it puts its stamp of approval on any drug, including a vaccine, Tasmanians can be assured."
Health Minister Sarah Courtney said it was anticipated the vaccine would become available in Australia by late February.
"Work is well underway here in Tasmania on what will be one of the biggest health logistical exercises in recent history," she said.
"We will continue to communicate with the Tasmanian community as we work through the rollout logistics with the federal government."
The vaccine will be stored at hospitals in Launceston, Hobart and the North-West.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: