South Australia becomes the first state to make highly sought-after Pfizer jabs available for 16 to 39-year-olds
South Australians as young as sixteen will have access to Pfizer and AstraZeneca as early as next week.
It will the first state to open availability for the Covid-19 vaccine to everyone over the age of sixteen by extending access to the 16-39 age group, according to Premier Steven Marshall.
'From next Monday, South Australia will become the first state to offer Pfizer & AstraZeneca vaccination appointments to everyone 16 years and over at state-run clinics,' he tweeted on Thursday.
'Vaccination is our pathway out of the pandemic & will help keep our state safe and economy strong.'
South Australia is the the first state to open up vaccines to everyone aged 16 and over. Pictured is a frontline worker getting the jab
From Monday, 127,000 extra slots will be available online to give younger South Australians the chance to book appointments at metropolitan state-run clinics, in September and October, when more Pfizer supplies arrive.
AstraZeneca will also be available to anyone aged 16 and over in metropolitan state-run clinics.
A video is being produced to help people make an informed choice about AZ, which causes blood clots in extremely rare cases, and a consent form will be required.
It's part of the state government plans to ramp up vaccination efforts by making the jabs more widely accessible.
'This nation-leading move is a huge milestone in our vaccine rollout,' Mr Marshall said.
'While our Covid recovery plan remains focused on supporting business, protecting jobs, and shielding South Australians from the health threat posed by the pandemic.'
South Australia is scheduled to hit the one million mark of doses administered on Thursday with 991,636 jabs to date.
Around 23.39 per cent of eligible South Australians are fully vaccinated.