You may have heard the Premier’s recent announcement that all South Australians over the age of 12 years are now eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination. This makes South Australia the first state in the nation to offer Pfizer to anyone over 12 years. It is hoped that every eligible South Australian will have the opportunity to be vaccinated by the end of the year. With the Premier’s announcement and vaccination clinics being now open to children and young people aged 12 years and over, we thought it was timely to provide you with some advice on vaccinations.

We know that immunisation against preventable diseases is a core component of children and young people’s health care needs. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect ourselves and the South Australian community.

It is the department’s position that all eligible children and young people (unless medically contraindicated) should have access to and receive the COVID-19 vaccination. As the guardian of children and young people in care, the department gives its consent for all children and young people under guardianship of the Chief Executive to be vaccinated  if they are eligible for it.

Young people over the age of 16 years can make decisions about their own medical treatment.  To help them make an informed choice about vaccinations, case workers and carers should ensure young people have access to age-appropriate information about being vaccinated and the benefits of a COVID-19 vaccination.

If you have a Year 11 or 12 student in your care who is willing to have a COVID-19 vaccination, SA Health has advised they can attend walk-in vaccination clinics without a booking for the rest of the month. The service will be available at SA Health clinics at Wayville (before 3:30pm), Elizabeth, Enfield, Noarlunga, Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Lincoln. Students can also go to the SA Health clinics at Victor Harbor, Mount Barker and Gawler, but must call beforehand to let staff know they are coming. More information about this initiative can be found on the SA Health website.

Our COVID-19 resources page has more information for carers, including testing, hygiene, masks, distancing and travel.

SA Health also has more information about the SA COVID-19 vaccination program.

As always – a very big thank you for everything you do to support the children and young people in your care.  Remember getting a vaccine is the single best way you can protect yourself, your loved ones and the community against COVID-19.