The latest data shows that South Australia has delivered more vaccinations per capita than any other mainland state - 9.8 doses per 100 persons - with only Tasmania and the ACT ranked higher.
It comes as the Marshall Liberal Government's COVID-19 vaccine rollout is now set to reach even more South Australians, with more Government clinics - including at the Women's and Children's Hospital - providing Astra-Zeneca vaccines to the community today as Phase 2a begins.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH) clinic will now be able to vaccinate anyone aged 50 years and over, after the National Cabinet decision to fast-track vaccinations for this cohort.
"Giving all South Australians access to the COVID-19 vaccination is a vital part of the Marshall Liberal Government's plan to keep South Australia safe and strong in response to the pandemic, and that is why we are continuing to scale up the roll out of the vaccination program across the state," said Minister Wade.
"We are opening dedicated AstraZeneca clinics across the state so that South Australians aged 50 and over will have increased access to the vaccine, before the vaccine becomes available to this group through General Practices from Monday 17 May.
"The level of vaccination in South Australia continues to be above our share of the population and opening more clinics across the state will help us continue our safe, steady scale up of the vaccine rollout.
"In addition to the WCH clinic, a clinic will also open today at the Ceduna Town Hall and more clinics will be opening across the state in the weeks to come. The Adelaide Showgrounds clinic will also begin providing Astra-Zeneca to anyone aged 50 years and over from next Monday.
"Those eligible can identify upcoming clinics in their region online and schedule an appointment online. We look forward to high levels of interest and ask people to be patient should they not be able to secure their appointment at the time they are hoping for.
"The development of these vaccination clinics, along with the addition of other clinics being planned, shows the agility of our health teams to respond to the latest health advice and the needs of our community."
A vaccination team has also been sent to Kangaroo Island to provide the vaccine at the Kangaroo Island Health Service this week.
More mass vaccination clinics will open at Elizabeth and Noarlunga in the near future, while plans are also underway to establish a community clinic at Mount Gambier.
Chief Executive Officer of the Women's and Children's Health Network (WCHN), Lindsey Gough, said staff were excited to take the next step in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program.
"As one of the first sites in South Australia to begin the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine program, our hospital has and continues to play a pivotal role in the fight against COVID-19," said Ms Gough.
"We are proud to be able to play such an important role in this program and we are determined to continue to deliver these vaccines in a safe and efficient way."
Eligible South Australians in Phase 2a can book their vaccination at the Women's and Children's Hospital via the SA Health website. Bookings for Phase 2a will be open at the Wayville clinic later this week.
Vaccination bookings through the GP network are available at healthengine.com.au.
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout across South Australia is being undertaken in line with the Commonwealth Government's Vaccine Roadmap.
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccinations at covidvaccine.sa.gov.au.
