Like the ACT, Tasmania has reached a coronavirus vaccination milestone, with more than half of the island state’s population aged over 16 now fully vaccinated.
The state joins the ACT as the only jurisdictions in Australia to have more than 50 per cent of the cohort receive both jabs.
Tasmanian Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the mark was passed on Wednesday, with thousands of vaccinations pushing Tasmania past the 49.9 per cent coverage reached on Tuesday.
“We are continuing to track well compared to most of the country,” he said.
According to the most recent data, NSW is next best with 48.5 per cent, followed in order by the Northern Territory, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.
More than 68 per cent of Tasmanians over 16 have received their first vaccination, behind NSW, the ACT and Victoria.
From next week, pharmacies will start administering the Moderna vaccine to people aged 12 to 59.
“Vaccination remains one of the best ways to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community,” Mr Rockliff said.
Tasmania has administered 150,000 vaccinations as part of a blitz beginning a month ago and recently opened a new clinic in Hobart.
Premier Peter Gutwein said earlier this week the state was on track to reach 80 per cent fully vaccinated in early November.
He said the state supports the national plan to ease restrictions at that level and at 70 per cent, but said any decision to open borders will be subject to public health advice.
Tasmania has been quick to implement border closures and has recorded just one COVID-19 case this year, a NSW traveller in hotel quarantine.
AAP
