COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins for people with disability, front-line staff

South Australians living with disability and their frontline carers will begin receiving COVID-19 vaccines from today, as the Marshall Liberal Government continues to expand its state-wide vaccination program.

More than 1400 people – including 500

people with disability and 900 frontline staff working in State Government-run disability accommodation – will receive their COVID-19 vaccinations over the next three weeks.

With many disability support staff representing a wide range of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the Marshall Liberal Government is working closely with these communities to provide the information and confidence they need to roll up their sleeves and get the vaccine.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the disability sector is a high priority group, with the first phase of vaccinations helping protect South Australia’s most vulnerable.

“We are working quickly to ensure we administer the COVID-19 vaccine to our most vulnerable South Australians first so they are protected against the virus,” said Minister Lensink.

While at Northgate Aged Care Services disability facility today, Minister Lensink used the opportunity to urge all South Australians to get vaccinated.

“We really want to get the message out to all South Australians, including our culturally and linguistically diverse communities, that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe, free and crucial in our fight against the virus,” said Minister Lensink.

To facilitate the swift delivery of vaccines for people with disability living in homes across the state, the Marshall Liberal Government will be reactivating Highgate Park at Fullarton later this month.

“We are determined to continue to deliver these vaccines in a prioritised and timely manner to all South Australians, especially our most vulnerable,” said Minister Lensink.

Today, vaccines were delivered to the Government’s Northgate Aged Care Services disability facility, and will also be delivered to regional SA, including Kadina and Mt Gambier.

Background

In Adelaide, DHS Accommodation Services Registered Nurses are administering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

In Mount Gambier, the Limestone Coast Local Health Network is administering Pfizer at the Mount Gambier Hospital hub.

AstraZeneca studies have proven safe for those aged over 65 years.

Find out more about COVID-19 vaccinations at www.covidvaccine.sa.gov.au