Tasmania's strong record for meningococcal and flu vaccinations has given the health minister confidence that the public will also embrace the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program.
Tasmania provided free menningococcal vaccinations in 2018 following outbreaks, with strong take-up figures, while the state was also in the top-three for childhood vaccinations in each age cohort.
The rollout of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID vaccinations is ramping up in Tasmania this week with the launch of clinics in the Launceston General Hospital and North West Regional Hospital for the 1A category, and GP and community clinics for 1B.
The government still has a target of completing vaccinations for all Tasmanians by mid-October.
Several European countries halted the Oxford University-developed AstraZeneca vaccine this month, but the European Medicines Agency, along with German and French health departments, believed there was not enough evidence of risk.
In a statement, the Therapeutic Goods Administration said it was continuing to monitor "extensive international research" and "has received no reports of blood clots following use of the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S vaccine in Australia".
Health Minister Sarah Courtney said she expected to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine when it was her turn, and believed Tasmanians could have confidence in the TGA to "act swiftly" based on the latest research.
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She said Tasmania has "a very good track record" when it came to vaccination rates.
"Given how well Tasmania has responded to COVID, and given how well Tasmanians have done the right thing to keep their community safe, I've got every expectation that Tasmanians will roll up their sleeves when it's their turn," Ms Courtney said.
When asked what she would say to Tasmanians exposed to anti-vaccination messaging on social media, Ms Courtney said they should speak with their doctor.
"The most important thing if you've got any questions about what a vaccination means to you, is to contact your GP," Ms Courtney said.
"Your trusted healthcare provider, your GP or your pharmacist can give you the advice that you need that's right for you."
Adam Holmes
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
From Adelaide to south-west Victoria, Bendigo to Tasmania, I've provided in-depth stories in politics, environmental affairs, issues facing disadvantaged communities, legal affairs and much more. Contact me at adam.holmes@examiner.com.au or on Twitter at @adamholmes010
