COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins for folks with disability, front-line employees

More than 1,400 people – including 500 people with disabilities and 900 frontline workers who work in handicapped accessible accommodations owned by the state government – will receive their COVID-19 vaccinations over the next three weeks.

Marshall’s 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.

Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said the disability sector was a high priority group. The first phase of vaccinations will help protect the most vulnerable people in South Australia.

“We are working quickly to ensure that we give our most vulnerable South Australians the COVID-19 vaccine first to protect them from the virus,” said Minister Lensink.

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

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

To facilitate the rapid delivery of vaccines to people with disabilities who live in homes across the state, Marshall’s Liberal government will reactivate Highgate Park in Fullarton later this month.

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

Today vaccines have been delivered to the Government of Northgate Aged Care Services’ disabled facility and are also being delivered to the regional SA including Kadina and Mt. Gambier.

background

In Adelaide, registered nurses from DHS Accommodation Services are administering the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

In Mount Gambier, the Limestone Coast Local Health Network administers Pfizer at the hub of Mount Gambier Hospital.

AstraZeneca studies have been shown to be safe for people over 65 years of age.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, please visit www.covidvaccine.sa.gov.au