The Territory Labor Government's vaccine rollout is beginning to launch in Darwin schools this week with students from Essington Senior College rolling up their sleeves today.
This week COVID-19 vaccines are being administered at schools including Taminmin College, Palmerston Senior College, Casuarina Senior College, SEDA College, Good Shepparton Lutheran College, O'Loughlin College, MacKillop Catholic College, Centralian Secondary College and Acacia Hill School.
Vaccines have already been administered at St Phillips in Alice Springs.
Senior students are being prioritised for the vaccine rollout to ensure no disruption during exam periods in the final weeks of term four.
Middle school students will begin to receive their first dose next month.
More than 70 per cent of Territorians have received their first COVID-19 dose and more than 50% are fully vaccinated.
As with all school-based immunisations, parental consent is required. Students will not be vaccinated unless a signed consent form is returned to school.
Parents are encouraged to book a vaccine through an NT Health Vaccination Clinic or GP if they wish to get their child vaccinated sooner.
To book your COVID-19 appointment
Quotes from Minister for Health Natasha Fyles
"The Territory Labor Government was the first jurisdiction to extend eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to Territorians aged 12 and above and now we are getting on with the job of vaccinating eligible school students.
"Children aged 12-15 have only been eligible for the Pfizer vaccine for a short period of time and we have already seen more than 1550 first doses administered and more than 50 kids are fully vaccinated.
"The vaccine is safe, free and effective and I call on all Territorians to do their bit to protect their family and community from this virus."
Quotes from Minister for Education Lauren Moss
"Under the school immunisation program, eligible middle and secondary students in Darwin Katherine and Alice Springs have the opportunity to receive their COVID-19 vaccination at school.
"This gives families the choice of having their children vaccinated at school, rather than needing to attend a GP or Vaccination Clinic."
