Vax push for kids could delay term one next year, Premier says

The Christmas school holidays for Tassie kids could be extended if the TGA approves Covid jabs for young children. HERE’S HOW >>

THE start of term one for Tasmanian school students could be delayed next year if Covid-19 vaccinations are approved for five- to 11-year-olds, the government says.

Premier Peter Gutwein said he was awaiting advice from public health officials and the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

But he said he would to all he could to ensure that the expected change would be rolled out quickly.

“Obviously, if that vaccination is approved, we will prioritise and we will roll that out as quickly as we can through January to that five to 11 cohort,” Mr Gutwein told parliament.

“If it means that we need to delay the start to the school year by having children turn up to get vaccinated as opposed to going into their classrooms and we will do that if that is what the public health advice is.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.

“I understand that parents are concerned, I do understand that, for obvious reasons.

“The most important threshold that we have to pass is whether or not the Therapeutic Goods Administration approve that vaccination.

“If and when they do, we will take we will take every step that we possibly can to ensure that cohort receives the vaccination as quickly as possible.”

Nearly 93 per cent of Tasmanians over the age of 16 have had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and 85 per cent are fully vaccinated. The figures for those aged 12 and over are 83 per cent and 91 per cent.

Mr Gutwein said he was now satisfied that all the preconditions he had set for reopening the border on December 15 had now been met.

“This morning I was briefed by the State Health commander on access to the vaccine,” he said.

“I’m confident that as of today based on that advice that every eligible Tasmanian has now had the opportunity to get vaccinated.

“I’m confident as a result of the spread and the rollout of the vaccination program that every Tasmanian has now had the opportunity.

“So we’ve crossed that most important threshold our borders will reopen on the 15th of December. There is no turning back.”

He said there were close to 2000 vaccination appointments daily across the state and urged those not yet vaccinated to come forward.

Follow @DavidJKillick