Call for priority vaccination and testing for those most at risk

A woman whose husband is undergoing chemotherapy for brain cancer wants people who are immunocompromised to have priority for Covid vaccines and tests.

A HOBART woman whose husband is undergoing chemotherapy for terminal brain cancer wants people who are immunocompromised to have priority for Covid vaccines and tests.

Bev Jefferson and her husband, Troy Robertson, are in isolation awaiting a Covid test result for their 18-year-old son Guy, who had a PCR test at Kingston on Wednesday after a six-hour wait.

She said in Victoria there was a system where vulnerable people were able to be tested in their own homes.

“I would like to see a similar system of prioritisation in Tasmania,” Ms Jefferson said.

“Immunocompromised people are those most at risk, but they are not first in line for protective measures such as booster shots or RATs.

“We need to change that – and I am optimistic enough to believe that we will see positive changes to the system.

“We are not entitled to access RATs under the current system, as we are not close contacts yet.

“It would be brilliant if access to RATs could be extended beyond the current definition of close contacts to include people who are immunocompromised.”

Troy Robertson, who has brain cancer, and partner Bev Jefferson are concerned about Covid testing for immunocompromised people. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

She said there were no RATs available at the oncology department and her husband, who has had his third primary vaccination, has had his chemotherapy delayed two weeks.

“His oncologist believes there is an acceptable way to manage the potential risks of Troy being Covid-infected but asymptomatic,” she said.

“But I am deeply concerned for those people who cannot delay their chemo – and who are placed in the unenviable position of starting a regime that is designed to attack cancer – but that smashes their immune system to do so.

“Having cancer and undergoing treatment is stressful enough. But undergoing treatment at a time when the true levels of Covid infections are unknown adds a whole new level of stress.”

Ms Jefferson said she was not into “the blame game” and understood the world had been surprised at the rapid spread of Omicron.

“It is reassuring to know that less people are being hospitalised following infection from Omicron – but it is not comforting for those who remain in high-risk categories,” she said.

A government spokeswoman said people who did not have their own transport for a testing appointment could call the Public Health Hotline as travel assistance may be available.

Premier Peter Gutwein said on Thursday the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee was meeting on Friday to consider the role of PCR testing and identifying people for priority testing.

Cancer Council Tasmania chief executive Penny Egan said it had been recommended that cancer patients had a third Covid vaccination rather than a booster and patients needing a RAT should talk to their doctor or specialist.