Tasmanians urged to prepare, plan and protect to stay well this winter
11 Apr 2025
The Department of Health is urging Tasmanians to prepare, plan and protect themselves and their families from severe illness this winter as respiratory infections are expected to increase across the State in the coming months.
The Department said there are simple actions people can take to protect themselves from common illnesses like influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Key actions includes:
- Making sure you are up to date with vaccination. This is the best defence against serious illness from influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and whooping cough.
- Keeping up the simple behaviours that help minimise the risk of catching and spreading infections. These include staying home if you are unwell, regularly washing or sanitising your hands, and covering your coughs and sneezes.
- And if you are at higher risk of severe respiratory illness, making sure to develop a plan with your GP for accessing testing and antiviral medications if you do develop a respiratory infection.
Public Health Specialist Medical Advisor Dr Shannon Melody said vaccination is a simple, safe and effective way to protect you and your family from serious respiratory illnesses.
“Getting your annual flu vaccine and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination will help you to stay well. Most Tasmanians are now due a COVID-19 booster”, said Dr Melody.
“Vaccination is especially important for those at higher risk of serious illness. COVID-19, flu and RSV can be serious, causing hospitalisation and even death. If you or a family member are at increased risk, please book in today to get vaccinated before winter.
“A new RSV immunisation program has started this year to protect infants and young children from severe illness. RSV vaccination is recommended for pregnant women and an RSV immunisation is available for some infants with risk conditions or those who aren’t protected by vaccination of their mother. RSV vaccines are also available for older Tasmanians.
“You can get flu, COVID-19, RSV and whooping cough vaccines from your GP and most local pharmacies. You may be able to receive multiple vaccines at the same visit. Speak with your healthcare provider about what’s recommended for you.
“I also strongly encourage those Tasmanians at higher risk of severe respiratory illness to make a plan with their GP for accessing testing and antiviral medications if they do develop a respiratory infection.”
Tasmanians are also reminded to know the options available to them if they become unwell during winter.
This includes the Government’s highly successful Care@home program, which offers virtual care and support to Tasmanians at higher risk of severe illness from acute respiratory infections. People can enrol in Care@home by calling the care team on 1800 973 363.
Stay up to date with your vaccinations this winter with:
- Annual flu vaccine – everyone aged six months and older is recommended to get the annual flu vaccine. This is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of serious illness, including young children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and those living with specific medical conditions.
- COVID-19 vaccine – all adults are eligible for a booster at least every 12 months, and older adults or those with severe immunocompromise every six months. COVID-19 vaccines are free.
- RSV vaccine – free RSV vaccines are now available during pregnancy from 28 to 36 weeks. An RSV immunisation product is available for some infants during the RSV season, including those whose mothers did not receive RSV vaccination during pregnancy. RSV vaccination is also available privately for eligible adults aged 60 years and older.
- Whooping cough vaccine – the whooping cough vaccine is free and recommended in each pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks of the pregnancy.
For more information, visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/winter-wellness
