Anyone aged 12 years and over can now access the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine through community pharmacies, with the Marshall Liberal Government announcing the vaccine will be made available for those over 60 in South Australia.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said around 300 pharmacies across the state will deliver the Moderna vaccine, with the first first tranche of approximately 140 pharmacies starting this week.
“South Australian pharmacists have played an important role in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, with community pharmacies providing more than 17,500 doses of vaccine since they joined the rollout in July,” said Minister Wade.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank each and every pharmacist and pharmacy staff member who have played their part in getting this vital vaccine out to South Australians.
“It is a credit to the industry that community pharmacies will now lead the distribution of the Moderna vaccine and, following the latest health advice, community pharmacies will now expand the offering of the Moderna vaccine to those aged over 60 years.
“Opening up Moderna to everyone aged 12 years and older through pharmacies expands the number of locations available, increasing the convenience and ensuring we can get the vaccine out to as many South Australians who would like to be vaccinated as possible.
“Vaccination is our doorway out of the pandemic and the Marshall Liberal Government is determined to give every South Australian access to the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccine so we can keep our state safe and our economy strong.”
Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Emily Kirkpatrick said adding Moderna to the available options of COVID-19 vaccines means people will have more options to be vaccinated sooner.
“It is now just as important as ever to roll up and get vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Dr Kirkpatrick.
“The outbreaks in New South Wales and Victoria and the recent positive cases amongst truck drivers who have been in South Australia show us that a COVID-19 outbreak could be right at our doorstep.
“The evidence shows the vaccines provide strong, effective and sustained protection against death or severe illness from COVID-19 and are effective in preventing hospitalisation from the Delta strain.
“Being vaccinated with two doses of the vaccines reduces the likelihood of passing on the virus which means every person who is vaccinated helps protect themselves, their loved ones and the wider community.”
People can locate their local community pharmacies offering the vaccine through the online booking system at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidvaccine.
