South Australians who are yet to get vaccinated against COVID-19 now have an additional vaccine option, with appointments for the Novavax vaccine available from next week.
Premier Steven Marshall said bookings will open tomorrow with appointments available from next Wednesday at the Playford, Adelaide Myer Centre and Noarlunga COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
"It is important for South Australians to take every opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine which is why we continue to provide access to COVID-19 vaccines across our state, utilising supplies provided by the Commonwealth Government," Premier Marshall said.
"This is another opportunity for South Australians who are yet to be vaccinated to protect themselves, their family, their work colleagues and the broader community – and is another weapon in our arsenal in the fight against COVID-19.
"Our first delivery of around 4,000 Novavax doses will be distributed throughout three clinics in Adelaide. Around 40 GPs and Pharmacies across the State will also be offering the vaccine.
"It's pleasing to see that around 95 per cent of South Australians aged over 12 have already received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and around 92 per cent have already received their second dose."
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade urged those eligible South Australians to not delay, and book from this Friday for appointments available next week.
"Getting the COVID-19 vaccine provides important protection for you, your family and the community so if you are eligible and you haven't already, please roll up your sleeve and get the vaccine as soon as you can," Minister Wade said.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted provisional approval for Novavax last month, making it the first protein based COVID-19 vaccine to receive regulatory approval in Australia.
Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, said the arrival of Novavax means South Australians now have even more choice when it comes to getting their COVID-19 vaccine.
"It is important that South Australians are comfortable with the vaccine they receive so it is wonderful that they can now choose between a number of different vaccines including mRNA vaccines Pfizer and Moderna and now the protein vaccine Novavax," Professor Spurrier said.
"Novavax is available for people aged 18 and over, so if this is the vaccine of your choice, please make an appointment as soon as they become available."
A primary vaccination course of Novavax consists of two doses, administered at least 21 days apart. Online bookings will be available from Friday 18 February at covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
