Young South Australians will receive greater access to the potentially lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine, with a school-based immunisation program to be rolled out to selected schools this term.
Pop-up vaccination hubs will be established at more than 20 schools from later this month as part of a six-week blitz to administer first and second doses.
It is estimated that the program will provide vaccinations to thousands of young South Australians across the state.
Premier Steven Marshall said the school vaccine program will target selected secondary schools across South Australia as part of the Government's plan to get South Australia COVID-ready.
"The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is our pathway out of the pandemic and is a key part of our strong COVID-ready transition plan to keep South Australia safe and strong," said Premier Marshall.
"It is fantastic to see the rollout expanded to provide greater accessibility to even more South Australians, providing an additional avenue for young people to access this vital vaccine.
"Every jab protects local jobs, gets us closer to easing restrictions, relaxing borders and ending statewide lockdowns.
"We are determined to do everything we can to keep up the pace of the vaccination roll out to ensure South Australians receive the best protection possible."
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the school immunisation program will be available to school staff and students aged 12 to 18 years old.
"We are determined to get young people vaccinated. Just last month, South Australia became the first state in the nation to offer the Pfizer vaccine to anyone over 12 years of age," said Minister Wade.
"During the school holidays, year 11 and 12 students aged 16 and over received priority walk-in access for their COVID-19 vaccination at several of our vaccination clinics, and now during the school term we are pivoting to bring the vaccine to local school communities.
"These pop-up clinics will help more young people to get fully vaccinated before the end of the school year and before they reach their end of year celebrations.
"As we move towards our vaccination targets it is crucial that we not only continue to build our statewide vaccination levels, but that we ensure strong vaccination rates across geographical and cultural cohorts across the state."
It is anticipated that schools will also run pop-up clinics on weekends so local community members in the area can also access the vaccination hub.
The first 18 schools confirmed to take part are:
- Para Hills High School
- Valley View Secondary School
- Paralowie R-12 School
- Kadina Memorial School
- Underdale High School
- Woodville High School
- Port Augusta Secondary School
- Findon High School
- Mount Gambier High School
- Loxton High School
- Roma Mitchell Secondary College
- Grant High School
- Renmark High School
- Charles Campbell College
- Clare High School
- Stuart High School
- Reynella East College
- Port Lincoln High School
The Education Department already works closely with SA Health to deliver school immunisation programs. All students under the age of 16 will need parent or guardian consent to receive their vaccination.
An expanded COVID-19 school immunisation program is being planned for 2022.
For more information, go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidvaccine
