Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Health
The Tasmanian Government welcomes the approval of the booster dose of Pfizer COVID vaccine for 16- and 17-year-olds, with bookings now available.
The decision by the federal vaccine advisory body, ATAGI, expands the age eligibility from 18-plus to now include these younger teens and means an additional 12,000 young Tasmanians are able to book in for a booster three months after receiving their second dose of the vaccine.
We know that having a booster dose is the best way for you to maintain your immunity against COVID-19 and protect yourself, your family, and the community against the virus, and I encourage every person in this age group to consider having their booster shot as they become due.
It is possible to book a booster appointment once the 3-month interval from the second dose ticks over and thousands of places are now available at community clinics across the state for those aged 16 and over.
Ultimately, with school returning next week, we know we will see cases arise and that is to be expected, which is why it’s especially important for any 16- and 17-year-old to book in as soon as possible for a booster if they’re already due.
I thank our pharmacies and GPs who are playing an incredibly important role in boosting Tasmanians in record numbers.
To book an appointment, visit the coronavirus website or contact the Public Health Hotline. Bookings are also available at pharmacies and GPs.
Protecting ourselves, our loved ones and vulnerable Tasmanians is our absolute priority, and the vaccine helps to do that, so I urge anyone who is due for their booster, or who hasn’t yet rolled up their sleeve to make an appointment as soon as possible and get vaccinated.
