Young Tasmanians holding off getting the Covid-19 vaccine warned they are not ‘bulletproof’

One Australian premier has warned the people of his state are not ‘bulletproof’ amid a low uptake of the jab in a crucial age group.

Thousands of young Tasmanians are yet to get their second Covid-19 jab because they think the virus will not come to the isolated state, but the Premier warns they are not “bulletproof”.

Ninety-one per cent of people aged over 16 have received one dose of the vaccine, while 80.5 per cent are fully vaccinated.

But Premier Peter Gutwein said there had been a slower uptake of people getting the second jab.

He warned people aged between 16 and 24 particularly needed to get vaccinated, with only 75 per cent in that age bracket having had their first dose.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein urged people in his state to get vaccinated ahead of the borders reopening.

Tasmania will reopen its border to all of Australia from December 15 when it’s expected 90 per cent of the state will be fully vaccinated.

Between now and then, every eligible person over the age of 12 will have the opportunity to get vaccinated.

Travellers from high-risk states such as Victoria, NSW and ACT will need to return a negative Covid test 72 hours before entering the state.

Travellers from all states will need to be fully vaccinated to avoid quarantine.

Mr Gutwein said Tasmanians were “in a good spot”, but it was important the vaccination rate was as high as possible.

“On the 15th of December there will be no turning back – that is the date that we’re working towards reopening, and I would implore Tasmanians to ensure that they get vaccinated,” he said.

“Please do it. It is the best way to protect our community, it’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

Tasmania will fully open its borders on December 15.

Health authorities are now considering relaxing restrictions for events like music festivals for the fully vaccinated.

Limits on the number of people dancing and standing while drinking are some of the measures being considered.

The state has come under fire for having a strict dancing cap of 250 people, meaning people going to music festivals have had to sit down.

A major music festival, the Hobart Summer Festival over New Year’s, was cancelled this week, as restrictions on dancing continued in the state.

“If you want to dance, get vaxxed,” Mr Gutwein said.

Originally published as Young Tasmanians holding off getting the Covid-19 vaccine warned they are not ‘bulletproof’