The Marshall Liberal Government is partnering with General Practitioners across the State to ensure that more South Australians can access the COVID-19 vaccine.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said South Australia is working with the Commonwealth Government, using some of the state’s stock to accelerate vaccinations through General Practices (GPs).
“South Australia has made a strong start with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout with the highest vaccination rate of the mainland states, and we have achieved that by being nimble and collaborative,” said Minister Wade.
“With the dramatic reset of the national program in response to updated clinical advice from ATAGI, it makes sense for SA Health to see how a redistribution of stock to GPs will maximise the rollout, as GPs flex up in Phase 2a from May 17.
“Providing every South Australian with access to the COVID-19 vaccine is a critical part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s plan to keep South Australia safe and strong through the pandemic.
“We are opening more clinics, extending access to existing clinics to more groups of people, and now boosting supplies of vaccines to GPs to ensure we continue our safe, steady scale up of the vaccine roll out.
“Practices who are currently providing the vaccine as part of the Commonwealth Government’s AstraZeneca rollout are now eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a one-off additional 1000 dose supply from SA Health.
“We expect to be able to provide a total of 20,000 doses of the vaccine to GPs to further bolster the rollout to people aged 50 years and over.
“I thank GPs for their impressive efforts to provide vaccinations and I thank South Australians for stepping up to be vaccinated when it is their turn.”
Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Dr Emily Kirkpatrick said an increased supply of vaccines is expected to further support the rollout.
“We have been investigating how SA Health can further support the vaccine rollout, following the Commonwealth Government’s announcement to bring forward the vaccine for those aged 50 years and older,” Dr Kirkpatrick said.
“We are now pleased to be able to partner with GPs as one of the ways we are increasing access for South Australians to the COVID-19 vaccine.
“GPs have been at the forefront of the rollout for their patients aged over 70 years and from 17 May will expand access to the vaccine through their clinics for their patients aged 50 years and over.
“GP clinics will need to be previously approved by the Commonwealth Government to administer the vaccine and have trained staff and appropriate clinical standard in place, while SA health can arrange free delivery with consumables within approximately ten business days.”
Expressions of interest from GP clinics are open until 5.00pm ACST on 5 May 2021 and can be submitted online via the EOI response form sent directly to GP clinics.
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout across South Australia will be undertaken in line with the Commonwealth Government’s Vaccine Roadmap.
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccinations at covidvaccine.sa.gov.au.
