Kangaroo Island community members aged over 16 years old now have access to the COVID-19 vaccine program from tomorrow as the program launches at the Kingscote Town Hall.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the vaccinations will be provided by a team of authorised Immunisation Nurse Specialists from the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Kangaroo Island Council.
"We are continuing to deliver our steady scale up of the vaccine rollout. Giving all South Australians access to the COVID-19 vaccination is a key priority of the Marshall Liberal Government's plan to keep South Australia safe and strong in the face of the pandemic," said Minister Wade.
"The launch of the vaccination program for all Kangaroo Islanders is another example of how we are adapting and collaborating to make sure the community can access the vaccine close to home.
"The program will provide both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccinations, in accord with the best clinical advice, to around 3,200 adults residing on Kangaroo Island and will be conducted over two date blocks to ensure first and second doses can be provided within the recommended timeframes."
Bookings are now open online for the first block of vaccinations from 8 June to 20 July for first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccines and first doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines. The second block is expected to run from 20 September to 4 October to provide the second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine to residents.
Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Graham, said the launch of the community program will give more Kangaroo Island residents access to the vaccine after healthcare workers, aged care residents and emergency workers on the island were vaccinated by a fly-in team last month.
"The partnership model that we have been able to create with our Local Health Network, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the local council means that we can make this vital vaccine available closer to home for the wider Kangaroo Island community," Ms Graham said.
"Our staff will provide vaccinations during the initial week before Royal Flying Doctor Service nurses take over to provide the vaccinations, with capacity at the site to provide 150 vaccinations each day.
"We have also secured a free shuttle bus service to help transport residents to the Town Hall in Kingscote throughout the entire vaccination program to make sure residents have every opportunity to receive their COVID-19 vaccination."
Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Executive General Manager Health Services Development and Clinical Governance, Natalie Szabo, said the RFDS was proud to support the vaccine roll-out.
"For decades, the Flying Doctor has provided Kangaroo Island residents with the finest care in the air. We are pleased to be able to offer quality health care on the ground to support the community through this vaccine rollout.
"We encourage all eligible residents to make their booking online through the SA Health website to receive their COVID 19 vaccine."
The Kangaroo Island vaccination clinic will operate from 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and between 10:00am and 6:30pm on Thursday and Friday. Appointments are by booking only.
You can check your eligibility and book in for a vaccine online at covidvaccine.sa.gov.au or by calling 0468 576 150 – operational 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccinations at covidvaccine.sa.gov.au.
