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Simple actions can help Tasmanians stay out of hospital this winter

Tasmania,

Alert Status:
Active
Issued Date:
06 Aug 2025

The Department of Health is experiencing additional demand on its services, particularly in the state’s public hospitals - but there are some simple actions the public can take to help.

Secretary of the Department of Health, Dale Webster, said there are many things that the community can do to help protect themselves and others from acute respiratory illnesses, while also being aware of the treatment options available, including the Care@home virtual care service.

“At this time of year, we expect to see an increase in colds, flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses.

“We are also seeing increased numbers of people with respiratory symptoms presenting to Emergency Departments across the state.

“To help Tasmanians stay well this winter, the Department of Health is running our 2025 Winter Wellness campaign. The campaign provides simple guidance under three key themes – Prepare, Plan and Protect.” Mr Webster said.

Prepare

  • Keep up to date with vaccinations including for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
    • Everyone 6 months and older should have a flu shot every year – it’s not too late to have your flu vaccine.
    • All adults are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine every 6 to 12 months, depending on age and risk factors. Anyone who is 75 years or older or who has severe immunocompromise is recommended to have a COVID-19 booster every 6 months.
    • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination is now free and recommended for all pregnant people between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. RSV vaccine is also available on private script for older adults from 60 years of age.
  • Talk to your immunisation provider about what is recommended for you, based on your age and health.
  • COVID-19 vaccines, along with flu and RSV vaccines, are available through most General Practices and community pharmacies.
  • Find a service online with at www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services

Plan

  • Some people including people aged 65 year or older, during pregnancy, children under 5 years, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and with chronic illness are at higher risk of severe illness during winter.
  • If you are at a greater risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19 or flu, make a plan now with your GP or health care provider for how you will access testing and antiviral medicine if you get symptoms.
  • If you are at higher risk and get any symptoms, it is very important that you start taking medicine as soon as possible.
  • If you get symptoms and don’t have a regular GP or they aren't available, contact the Care@home team on 1800 973 363 to discuss your options.

Protect

  • Protect yourself and others by staying at home when you are sick, wash or sanitise your hands regularly, and cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Stay informed about current respiratory illness activity and consider registering for FluTracking.

For more information or to download resources, visit www.health.tas.gov.au/winter-wellness

Mr Webster also asked Tasmanians to consider the treatment options available across the State to choose the one that is most appropriate for their needs this winter. 

“Our hospitals are always busy - but during the winter pressures on the wider health system can increase. At this time of year, it important to ask for our community’s support to work with us and to keep our hospital Emergency Departments for emergencies and help us ease pressure on our hospitals more broadly,’’ Mr Webster said.

“For all Tasmanians who require emergency care call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest Emergency Department. Our dedicated staff at Ambulance Tasmania and our hospital Emergency Departments will be there to care for you and your life-threatening emergency.

“But if you have a non-emergency health issue, there are several alternative services available to provide care for you. These include the five Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across Tasmania – two in Hobart, one in Bridgewater, one in Launceston and one in Devonport – which provide bulk-bulled healthcare for urgent health issues without the need for an appointment, 7 days a week.

“See your GP for non-emergency, routine and preventative care and your pharmacist for prescription medicines, vaccination and minor illness care.”

For more information about non-emergency care options available in Tasmania, visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/rightcare