Today I rolled up my sleeve and joined the more than 31,000 Tasmanians who have received their COVID vaccine.

While as part of the state’s emergency management structure I could have had the vaccine earlier, it was important to ensure our frontline workers and elderly Tasmanians were prioritised.

My first shot of the free AstraZeneca vaccine was painless and simple.

There is no doubt Vaccination is the single most effective tool in getting our lives back to normal and the AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective for people like me, who are over 50.

Yesterday we announced that we will fast-rack the roll-out of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Tasmanians over 50 from 3 May in our state-run clinics, with GPs to follow soon after.

If you are over 70 or have a chronic medical condition, you can book your vaccine now through your GP, one of the three GP Respiratory Clinics or a state run Clinic.

If you are over 50, you will be able to book your vaccine from the 3 of May in a state clinic – please look out for information as it becomes available.

Appointments can be booked by visiting www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au