South Coast, McLaren Vale and Strathalbyn public hospitals will all be involved in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, which will start next week for those in priority groups.

Local pharmacies have until February 19 to lodge expressions of interest in administering the vaccine.

Pharmacies would be involved from phase 2 of the rollout, with pharmacy staff themselves being vaccinated during phase 1.

People receiving the vaccine will need two doses, given 21 days apart.

The roll-out strategy has three phases in total. 

Initially the vaccine will be given to quarantine and border workers, frontline health-care workers, and aged and disability care residents and staff.

Then the vaccine will be available to the elderly, those with underlying health issues, emergency workers, other health care workers and indigenous Australians aged over 55, before extending to other sections of the community.

Vaccination of the general population is expected to start in mid-2021.

“South Australia is about to embark on the state’s biggest ever peacetime operation. Given the scale and complexity of the operation in front of us, we know that there will be road bumps, but we are determined to ensure the safe, efficient and timely delivery of vaccines in a prioritised manner,” State Health Minister Stephen Wade said.

“By undertaking a staged approach to the vaccination rollout in conjunction with GP services and pharmacies, we can make sure those most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 and those who have the highest risk of being exposed to, or spreading, the virus are vaccinated first."

“While the hubs will store the initial Pfizer vaccine, the Commonwealth Government is working with GPs and pharmacists to develop a network of clinics in metropolitan, regional and rural areas to administer the vaccinations.

“These clinics, along with hospital-based clinics, will continue to come online throughout each phase of the rollout to get supplies of the vaccination across the State, making sure no one misses out.”

“We are committed to providing all South Australians who wish to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with access to safe and effective vaccines as soon as we can.”

The first batch of Pfizer vaccines arrived in Australia on 15 February. 

The full program will take several months to roll out in line with the Commonwealth Government’s Vaccine Roadmap.

Find out more about COVID-19 vaccinations at www.covid-19.sa.gov.au.