RIVERLANDERS will have to wait to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, despite South Australia’s first doses being administered in Adelaide earlier this week.
The state’s rollout of 4000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine began on Monday at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Flinders Medical Centre, with frontline medical, quarantine and border workers the first to receive the vaccine.
Despite the Riverland General Hospital being announced as a COVID-19 vaccination hub earlier this month, SA Health was this week unable to confirm when vaccines would arrive in the region as part of the Federal Government’s rollout plan.
Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said the commencement of the rollout, dubbed ‘Operation COVID Shield’ by the State Government, was “exciting news for all South Australians”.
“The first phase of the program includes frontline staff, with medi-hotel workers and border police as they are obviously at greater risk,” he said.
“We can rest assured that our region will have access to the vaccine in-line with the rollout of the program.
“There will be more hubs established in regional areas than metro areas and proportionately more vaccines sent to country clinics in the early stages of the rollout.
“I understand everyone has different circumstances, but I do encourage the community to roll up their sleeves and have the vaccination when their time comes.”
Premier Steven Marshall, who received his first dose of the vaccine on Monday, said the vaccine rollout would be “absolutely vital” in keeping South Australians safe and the economy strong.
“We are about to embark on the state’s biggest ever peacetime operation,” he said.
“We are determined to ensure the safe, efficient and timely delivery of vaccines in a prioritised manner over the course of 2021.
“I want to assure South Australians that the vaccine is completely safe, and has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.”
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the State Government expected to receive a further 8000 doses from the Federal Government over the next three weeks.
“More clinics will be established across the state to prioritise vaccinating those who are most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 and further clinics will continue to come online throughout each phase of the rollout to get supplies of the vaccination across the state, making sure no one misses out,” he said.
Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the State Government would ensure every South Australian who wants to be vaccinated will have the opportunity.
“While you may be wondering whether or not you really need the vaccine, particularly if you’re young, fit and healthy, COVID-19 can be a nasty and potentially fatal disease at any age,” she said.
“The safe and effective vaccines will enable us to take the COVID-19 fight to another level – they will be a game changer in our response and will increase our confidence as we review restrictions and border closures.”
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccination and rollout plan, visit www.covid-19.sa.gov.au.