Tasmanians Urged to Prepare, Plan and Protect to Stay Well this Winter

Media release – Kathrine Morgan-Wicks, Secretary, Department of Health;Dr Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health, Thursday 4 May 2023

Tasmanians urged to prepare, plan and protect to stay well this winter

Health leaders are urging Tasmanians to prepare, plan and protect themselves and their families against influenza and COVID-19 as respiratory illnesses are expected to increase across the state as we head into winter.

The Department of Health says people can take simple actions to protect against the severe harms of respiratory infections.

These include getting the annual flu vaccine and 2023 COVID-19 booster if eligible; and for people at higher risk of severe illness to plan with their GP to get tested and access to antiviral medications if they test positive.

Director of Public Health Dr Mark Veitch encouraged all Tasmanians to prepare, plan and protect themselves and each other against respiratory illnesses with winter approaching.

“As is the case each winter, we expect the colder months to bring a substantial increase in one or more common respiratory infections,” said Dr Veitch.

“Prepare by getting your annual flu vaccine and, if you are eligible, your 2023 COVID-19 booster. These will boost your immunity against the flu and COVID-19. Both vaccines are available at GPs and most local pharmacies.

“If you’re at higher risk of severe illness, plan with your GP how you will access testing and antiviral medication if you do get sick.

“Protect your community, workplace, and others by staying at home if you’re unwell. Keep up the simple behaviours we’ve used these recent years like washing your hands and covering your coughs and sneezes.”

The Department of Health also released details of its 2023 Winter Plan outlining how the hospital and health system would manage expected peaks in demand caused by acute respiratory illnesses, in addition to preventing, detecting and providing early treatment.

Secretary and State Health Commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said the Winter Plan applied learnings from previous winters and previous waves of COVID-19.

“While our primary care sector will continue to be the key clinical providers to Tasmanians with respiratory illnesses, we have prepared Tasmania’s public hospital system to maintain capacity and manage anticipated increases in activity during the winter months,” said Ms Morgan-Wicks.

“Demand management strategies prepared across our public hospitals that have shown to be effective during earlier waves of infection include escalation planning, statewide access and flow coordination, short-term increases or adjustments to bed capacity, and brokered access to private hospital or residential aged care beds.

“The successful COVID@homeplus program will also continue to play an important role by supporting Tasmanians who test positive to COVID-19 to receive virtual care in the community, as well as eligible Tasmanians who have symptoms of flu and other respiratory infections and are at higher risk of severe illness.

“Tasmanians are encouraged to know what to do if they become sick this winter. People can call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 for advice when you’re not sure what to do, or visit www.tasafterhours.com to find afterhours medical options.”

For more information about the Department of Health’s 2023 Winter Plan, visit: www.health.tas.gov.au/winter-strategy

For more information about staying well this winter, visit www.health.tas.gov.au