Healthcare workers have been mandated to have COVID-19 vaccinations in Tasmania, as the government’s number one priority since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to keep Tasmanians safe and secure.
Vaccination remains a key step towards a COVID normal way of living, and Tasmanians continue to do the right thing and roll up their sleeves as the state reaches the end of week three of Operation Delta Shield’s Super Six Vaccination Blitz.
This week the state passed 60% of eligible Tasmanians having had a first dose, and are on schedule to pass their target of more than 63% of Tasmanians having a first dose by the 12th of September, 70% by mid-October and 80% by mid-November.
Tasmania also continues to lead the other states and territories with close to 44% of eligible Tasmanians fully vaccinated.
The next super clinic is in Burnie next weekend. Residents that live in the North-West are highly recommended to book an appointment.
Bookings are now open for people ages 12 to 16 to be vaccinated, with vaccinations to commence for this age group from the 13th of September. In October, there will also be a series of Youth Super Clinics for 12–17 year-olds across the state, to help vaccinate and protect young people more quickly.
Another important step has been taken with the decision that all healthcare workers in Tasmania’s State health care settings, both public and private, are mandated to have COVID-19 vaccinations, with a first dose by 31 October 2021.
To date, around 80% of health care workers have received the vaccine. While the state does not take this step lightly, they believe it is critical to ensure the protection of the health workforce and the protection of vulnerable patients in their care should an outbreak of the Delta strain occur in Tasmania.
A public health direction will be issued to support this requirement, and the Tasmanian government looks to finalise all of the details, including the definition of health care worker and premises over the next week.
Jeremy Rockliff, Tasmania’s Acting Premier, said “We will also engage with Unions on these details and the implementation plan moving forward. These are difficult times and the escalation of cases in jurisdictions, including NSW, Victoria and the ACT, is a stark reminder of how challenging COVID-19 is, and our thoughts are with those currently undergoing extended lockdowns. We continue to do all we can to reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering Tasmania, as we continue to get our vaccination rates up.
The best thing we can all do right now is to continue to work together to reduce the risk.”
Original story found on the Tasmanian Government website. Note: Content has been edited for style and length.
Nina Alvarez is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel. Her interests include writing, particularly about the healthcare sector and the many ways it can improve to further benefit people from all walks of life.
