THOUSANDS of Riverlanders are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with new local clinics opening as phase 2a of the Federal Government’s rollout begins.
As of Monday, all adults aged 50 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 18 and over, and critical and high-risk workers can be vaccinated.
Last week the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) opened new clinics at the Flinders University Simulation Centre located at the Riverland General Hospital, and at the Waikerie Health Service to administer Pfizer vaccines to people aged under 50.
RMCLHN staff, volunteers, students, contractors and emergency service workers are able to receive the Pfizer vaccines at the Riverland General Hospital from today, and an all-ages clinic has also opened in Murray Bridge.
State Health Minister, Stephen Wade, said South Australia had currently delivered almost one dose per 10 people – with only Tasmania and ACT administering more doses per capita.
“Giving all South Australians access to the COVID-19 vaccination is a vital part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s plan to keep South Australia safe and strong in response to the pandemic,” he said.
“We are opening dedicated AstraZeneca clinics across the state so that South Australians aged 50 and over will have increased access to the vaccine, before the vaccine becomes available to this group through general practices from Monday, May 17.
“The level of vaccination in South Australia continues to be above our share of the population and opening more clinics across the state will help us continue our safe, steady scale up of the vaccine rollout.
“Those eligible can identify upcoming clinics in their region online and schedule an appointment online.
“We look forward to high levels of interest and ask people to be patient should they not be able to secure their appointment at the time they are hoping for.”
The Flinders University Simulation Centre clinic is open Tuesdays from 8am to 4pm and Thursdays from 10am to 6pm, while the Waikerie Health Service clinic runs on Fridays from 8am to 3pm.
To book an appointment at any of the RMCLHN vaccine locations, call Murray Bridge Community Health on 8535 6909 from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5pm.
To check vaccine eligibility, visit covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility or call the national COVID-19 vaccine information line (1800 020 080).
For more information visit www.covidvaccine.sa.gov.au.