Ad campaign targets rising vaccine hesitancy

The health department says some people are skipping their second jabs, leaving them with incomplete protection against Covid and open to “severe effects”. LATEST COVID-19 NEWS >>

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THE state government has ramped up its Covid vaccine promotion after increasing numbers of Tasmanians failed to keep the appointment for their second shots.

Twenty-two weeks into vaccination program more than 279,000 doses have been administered: 143,000 in state clinics, 15,000 by the federal government program and 121,000 by general practitioners.

More than 80 per cent of those aged over 70 have received at least one dose and 40.3 per cent in that age group are fully vaccinated, and with 20 per cent of Tasmanians overall.

But Health Department Secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said there were signs of some second shot hesitancy in the community.

“We have started to see a small percentage of people both in our community clinics and GPs not show up for the second dose appointment,” she said.

“If you have a second dose appointment coming up over the next few weeks or months, and please prioritise these so that you get the maximum effectiveness and you don’t suffer the severe effects of Covid-19.”

Kathrine Morgan-Wicks Secretary Department of Health. Latest COVID update with Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A new advertising campaign encouraging Tasmanians to have their second dose began on Tuesday.

Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, encouraged everyone who had already had one dose of the vaccine, to keep their second appointment.

“We want to ensure that everyone receives two doses of the vaccine to give themselves the greatest protection and to build on the excellent work Tasmanians have already done to lead the states in our vaccination effort.”

“Importantly, Tasmanians who have received their first dose of the vaccine and did not experience any serious side effects are considered safe to receive their second dose and should feel confident to attend their appointment.

“It is very important that you have two doses of the vaccine to get the best protection against Covid-19.”

And a Health Department spokesman on Wednesday denied rumours that some state-run vaccine clinic attendees were missing out on lollipops, which have been provided to all recipients to date.

“It is not the case. Lollipops continue to be provided at our vaccination clinics,” the spokesman said.

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