It’s on for young and old, with all South Australians aged 12 and over becoming eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination from Monday.
The move means that South Australia will become the first state in the nation to offer the Pfizer vaccine to anyone over 12 years of age.
Premier Steven Marshall said that, from Monday, children aged 12 to 15 and people aged 60 and over will be able to book in for Pfizer vaccinations at state-run clinics.
“Throughout the pandemic, South Australians have stepped up to do their part in keeping the community safe and strong, including rolling up and getting vaccinated,” said Premier Marshall.
“We continue to see record numbers of people getting vaccinated and we expect that run rate to soar as more than 60,000 new appointments come online to get more lifesaving jabs into the arms of South Australians.
“From Monday we are completely opening eligibility for Pfizer at state-run clinics, ensuring everyone aged 12 and over can access the COVID-19 vaccination.
“Vaccination is our pathway out of the pandemic and there is absolutely no reason for South Australians to wait to book an appointment.”
The change to the rollout will see the Pfizer vaccine available to anyone over 12 years at SA Health clinics, while AstraZeneca will continue to be available to anyone 18 years or older with informed consent.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the Government was determined to ensure that every South Australian has the opportunity to be vaccinated by the end of the year.
“We are making excellent progress with the vaccination rollout with 57 percent of South Australians having one dose, and more than 39 per cent of the community fully vaccinated,” said Minister Wade.
“We are also increasing access with new pop-up clinics about to open at Adelaide Myer Centre and Pooraka, and outreach services helping to make it as convenient as possible for South Australians to get vaccinated.
Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the increased eligibility is another positive step forward in the vaccination rollout.
“It’s very pleasing to see eligibility open up to allow more people to get vaccinated and particularly to give choice to older South Australians,” said Professor Spurrier.
“We know there has been some hesitancy in the community in people aged over 60, with just over 40 percent of 60 to 69-year-olds fully vaccinated, however, I would like to personally thank all of this age group who have received AstraZeneca as soon as they could, as it is also an excellent, highly effective vaccine.
“Those who are unvaccinated, particularly in that age group, remain vulnerable to COVID-19 and as many are aware, at some point soon we are looking to lift border restrictions with other jurisdictions.”
In line with ATAGI advice, people who have had one dose of AstraZeneca need to get their second dose of the same vaccine.
Anyone who has booked for their first dose of AstraZeneca at an SA Health clinic should not cancel their appointment but advise their immunisation nurse if they would prefer to receive Pfizer.
Bookings will open for 12 to 15 year-olds and those 60 and over on the SA Health website at 9am on Monday 13 September. All SA Health clinics will offer vaccines to 12 to 15 year-olds with the exception of pop-up clinics at Adelaide Myer Centre and Pooraka.
For more information, go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidvaccine.
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