Hundreds answer the call to arms in weekend vaccine blitz

More than 1000 people have lined up at a super vax clinic on the Hobart waterfront to have their Covid jabs and help push the state closer to its target vaccination rates.

A FLURRY of jabs were administered at the Mac02 super vax clinic in Hobart, as over 1000 people lined up to get their dose of Pfizer on Saturday.

It was one of the biggest operations pulled off in the state, with roughly one patient pricked every 30 seconds throughout the day.

Aaron Galligan, 19, a physics student at the University of Tasmania, was one of those getting their shot.

Aaron Galligan, of Hobart, at the mass vaccination clinic at MAC02. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I’m doing my part to get the vaccination rates up to 80 per cent. Hopefully we can prevent Tassie having another outbreak,” Mr Galligan said.

“It’s certainly not looking hot in the other states at the moment, so it’d be great if we can avoid that.”

Erica Rogers receives her vaccination from Jill Doyle. Picture: Chris Kidd

Erica Rogers, who works at Steadfast Taswide, came to get her jab with her young daughter in tow to offer moral support.

Mrs Rogers said she was sick of being stuck at home, and hoped that more people would get the jab so borders could open sooner rather than later.

“It’s the right thing to do, so we can start travelling again. That’d be nice,” Mrs Rogers said.

“We want to go to Queensland, but we don’t want to have to quarantine when we come back. We booked in for October, so hopefully I can be fully vaccinated by then.”

Arsh Ezeem, of Hobart, at the mass vaccination clinic. Picture: Chris Kidd

Local foreman Matthew Cumming, 42, said he was rolling up his sleeve to make things safer for other tradies.

“I’m a site supervisor for a building company, so I do a lot of travelling in local areas,” Mr Cumming said.

“The sooner we get it, the sooner we can get back to normal.”

Senator Jonathon Duniam got his jab to help Tasmania reach its vaccination target of 80 per cent by November.

“I hate needles, but I think it’s very important. I encourage everyone to do the right thing, and Tasmanians have set the example when it comes to setting the pace,” Senator Duniam said.

“Looking towards the end of the year, if we want to have those freedoms to go and see our nans and sisters and brothers interstate, I’m encouraging all Tasmanians to get the jab.”

Senator Jonathon Duniam joined the long line of people at the vaccination clinic. Picture: Chris Kidd

Nurse Ann Richardson was flat out all day, and will be back at it again on Sunday when another 1000 people come in for their turn.

“Everyone’s very happy to have their vaccinations, and hopefully we’ll all get to travel and do all the things we’d like to do,” Ms Richardson said.

“People are very enthusiastic, I’m loving it.”

Mercury journalist Kenji Sato receives his vaccination from nurse Ann Richardson. Picture: Chris Kidd

Tas Vax commander Dale Webster said he was encouraged to see the super vax clinic get booked out almost immediately.

“It’s fantastic. This day filled up in 48 hours when we opened, so people are very keen to get in the door,” Mr Webster said.

“We are very well on track. We want to get 70 per cent fully vaccinated by the middle of October and 80 per cent by the middle of November, and we are on track to do that.”

Rotary Hobart president David Berechree. Picture: Chris Kidd

It was an exhausting logistical feat, made a little easier by Rotary Club of Hobart volunteers who helped shepherd the masses of people to their destinations.

President David Berechree said the frontline health workers were making a heroic effort, and that they wanted to help out in whatever way they could.

“It’s a great job the team’s doing pushing through the vaccination program every day, so when they need a bit of extra help, that’s when Rotary’s here to help,” Mr Berechree said.

“Our ability to provide that volunteer manpower helps makes things work, and that’s ultimately what we do: we volunteer our time and expertise.”

Angela Smith, of Hobart, at the clinic. Picture: Chris Kidd

College students receive COVID-19 vaccinations in statewide blitz

Passionate theatre buff Elliot Hay participated in the schools COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination program with a clear goal in mind; working towards revitalising the embattled arts industry.

The 17 year old Elizabeth College student, who was among the 800 year 11 and 12 students to take part in the program which commenced on Monday, said the sooner the state was vaccinated the sooner everyone could enjoy more great live performances.

The Department of Health and Department of Education led program for ages 16 and over is part of the state government’s six week vaccination blitz, giving young people the chance to do their bit in the fight against the highly-transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19.

“I would love to go and see more live theatre and travel to see shows, so many have been cancelled because of lockdowns,” Elliot said.

Year 11 Elizabeth College students Elliot Hay 17 and Holly Horne 16 received their first Pfizer vaccination at a clinic at the college. COVID vaccinations for students at Elizabeth College in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

With aspirations of owning or working for a theatre company after he graduates from college, Elliot said COVID-19 had thrown a spanner in the works for typical industry career progressions.

He said while many industries had been able to move online during lockdowns, the flesh and blood industry of theatre with its’ necessary in-person rehearsals and performances was “not something that could be done over a Zoom call”.

A vaccination clinic will be at the college until Wednesday, with students from Ogilvie and New Town High Schools also able to access the clinic, before it moves onto its next destinations of Claremont, Hobart and Rosny Colleges, then schools in the North and North-West.

Teachers will also be able to get vaccinated through the clinic.

Student Holly Horne 16 in year 11 at Elizabeth College is given her first Pfizer vaccination by Anne-Maree Kroon authorised nurse immuniser. COVID vaccinations for students at Elizabeth College in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff said the 16 up age group of college students had been prioritised due to their high level of social activity and evidence of having high levels of transmission of the COVID-19 Delta variant across the country.

“Whilst vaccinations in this cohort is not mandatory, evidence from across the world shows that by getting vaccinated, people are less likely to pass the virus onto others,” he said.

“By taking up the offer of a vaccine, young people will protect their families, loved ones and the wider community.”

Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff speaks to the media in Hobart.

Mr Rockliff encouraged students to talk with their parents or guardians about the possibility of getting the vaccine and to complete the consent form together.

“But in some circumstances students may be able to give their own consent following discussions with a nurse immuniser.”

Head to Health Tasmania’s coronavirus website for more information.