South Australians in low vaccination areas will be given a helping hand to book their appointments, thanks to a new program being rolled out at shopping centres across the state.
As new data shows vaccination rates across South Australia by area, the pop-up booking kiosks will target those areas with lower uptake.
Premier Steven Marshall will today visit the Port Adelaide Plaza where the pop-up help centre is set up until Sunday.
"There has never been a more important time to roll up and get vaccinated," said Premier Marshall.
"The next few weeks are going to be crucial for our State and we want to protect what we have all worked so hard for. Adelaide is the most liveable city in the county and the third in the world, and we have the highest number of South Australians employed in our
history.
"The entire country is currently facing outbreaks, and while we have been incredibly fortunate not to see this so far in South Australia – this virus is incredibly sneaky, and vaccination is a key defence in keeping our state safe and our economy strong.
"These help centres will be travelling to areas where data shows vaccination rates are low and will encourage those who might be hesitant to roll up to a clinic, roll up their sleeves and help protect South Australia.
The pop-ups kiosks, which have been delivered by the Commonwealth Government in partnership with Healthcare Australia, are planned to travel across the state in a roadshow type format to help South Australians navigate the vaccine website and book in. A registered nurse will be available at the kiosk throughout the week to provide information, assistance and encouragement.
Locations have been chosen using local demographics (higher ageing population), lower COVID-19 vaccination uptake and medium to high COVID-19 vaccine availability.
The pop-up help centre is at Port Adelaide Plaza until Sunday, with plans to take the kiosk to locations including Salisbury, Gawler and Port Augusta and Port Pirie in the coming weeks.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade, who is visiting the vaccination clinic at Whyalla today, said numbers of vaccinations continued to increase.
"The vaccination program is our doorway out of this pandemic and the Marshall Liberal Government is working hard to ensure the COVID-19 vaccine is readily accessible to South Australians," said Minister Wade.
"The data released today shows that, while vaccination numbers continue to increase across the state as we scale up our rollout, there are still areas where we need to further focus our efforts in helping people book in and get their vaccination.
"It was great to see record numbers of South Australians rolling up their sleeves last week and we want that trend to continue.
"We will continue to do everything we can to help fast track the COVID-19 vaccination rollout and ensure SA Health has the flexibility to continue to pivot where required to get this vital vaccine into the arms of South Australians."
Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said that vaccination is one of the most important tools we have in our fight against the virus.
"Now more than ever we need all South Australians to roll up and get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible, no matter where they live," said Professor Spurrier.
"Along with physical distancing, hand hygiene and checking in with the QR codes, getting vaccinated is the best way you can protect yourself, your loved ones and our community."
To book in for your COVID-19 vaccination visit the SA Health website.
