Covid-19 vaccine: South Australia’s top young leaders in rallying cry for under 40s to help with heavy lifting of jab rollout

South Australia’s top young leaders have issued a rallying cry for people under 40 to play a bigger role in the Covid-19 vaccination war against the dangerous Delta strain.

South Australia’s top young leaders have issued a rallying cry for people under 40 to play a bigger role in the Covid-19 vaccination war against the dangerous Delta strain.

The group, all aged under 40 who represent a cross-section of business, are urging authorities to fast-track and simplify access to vaccines.

They are also encouraging those under 40 to play their part, including not shunning an AstraZeneca jab, which authorities stress is safe and effective.

A pre-registration system, waitlists, workplace-based vaccines – especially in big organisations – and a targeted social media campaign are among their ideas to drive the uptake.

Vaccine hesitancy has mounted despite more than 60 per cent of Australians being locked down and a surge of interstate cases in under 40s.

SA Health said it was following Commonwealth supply and phase directions, but Australia’s vaccine chief said states could expand the rollout based on dose allocations.

A fifth of SA’s adults are fully vaccinated but it is much lower in younger generations.

Property Council SA boss Daniel Gannon, a father-of-three, said the state was the envy of the world amid “incredible levels of freedom”.

“I’m fortunate and grateful to have a stable job that continues largely unchanged through lockdowns and times of uncertainty,” he said.

“But not everybody is.

“If a jab in my arm means more certainty and stability, it’s the least I can do.”

Bruce Djite, 34, chief executive Committee for Adelaide. Alice Fitch 39, Founder of Whola, Bodelle Francis 38, GM Adelaide Oval hotel, Daniel Gannon, 38, Property Council SA executive director. Picture: Sarah Reed

Mr Gannon, and Committee for Adelaide chief executive Bruce Djite, called for a pre-registration booking system to cope with an inevitable surge in demand. Mr Djite, a father-of-two and former professional soccer player, lamented AstraZeneca criticism.

“Not long ago, the world was scrambling and doing anything to find a vaccine,” he said. “It is ironic that now we have fantastic vaccines available, people are doing their best to pick them apart.”

Alice Fitch, founder of fashion wholesaler Whola, said the majority of her 3000 clients were women younger than 40.

The mother of one said the “bottom line” was jabs saved lives and livelihoods.

“It’s a big ask to keep locking down, shutting businesses and causing financial insecurity, all while bearing the burden of childcare and home schooling,” she said. “We can’t keep turning to lockdowns as the solution – it is really hurting small business.”

Mother-of-one Bodelle Francis, boss of the Adelaide Oval’s new hotel, said being vaccinated was a “small but important thing we can do to continue supporting each other, as (we) have done throughout the pandemic”.

Premier Steven Marshall with Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier last week at Modbury Hospital. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Kelly Barnes

Premier Steven Marshall said: “In days we expect to have delivered one million vaccination doses into the arms of South Australians and I urge everybody to get vaccinated as soon as they become eligible”.

The sluggish rollout has been hampered by the rare risk of blood clots linked to AstraZeneca, which Australia’s immunology experts restricted to patients older than 60. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation only recommends Pfizer for people aged up to 59.

In SA, those older than 16 in regional areas are eligible for a Pfizer jab while patients younger than 40 can seek AstraZeneca through their GP. There are 383 SA vaccination sites including GPs, federal clinics and pharmacies, 104 which administer Pfizer.

Operation Covid Shield co-ordinator general Lt Gen John Frewen, said more doses will help widen access next month.

He said officials were identifying gaps for “comprehensive coverage” and to expand doses.

“What I say to all Australians is get vaccinated … to protect yourself against Covid,” he said.

A spokeswoman for federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said those over 40 years were currently the priority.

“We thank everyone who has come forward so far and rolled up their sleeves and received a vaccinationm,” she said.

“We continue to encourage all Australians that when your time comes, please come forward and get vaccinated. It protects you, your loved ones and the greater community.

“While AstraZeneca is already available to under 40’s, under the ATAGI conditions, it is expected that the next stage will open within the coming month for 30-39 year olds.”

RALLYING CRY

Committee for Adelaide chief executive officer Bruce Djite, 34, of Goodwood:

“Observing and speaking to many friends around the country who are currently in lockdown, I feel those of us aged under 40 should, and could, play a greater role in being part of the solution.”

Whola fashion wholesaler founder Alice Fitch, 39, of Brompton:

“If we want to retain the title of Australia’s most liveable city, we need to roll out the vaccine to our 40s so we can remain open for business. I’ll be getting the jab as soon as it’s available to me.”

Oval Hotel general manager Bodelle Francis, 38, of Glenelg:

“Vaccinations have an important role to play in bringing tourists and events back to our great state, so I would be happy to roll up my sleeve to help make that happen.”

Property Council SA executive director Daniel Gannon, 38, of Trinity Gardens.

“If this vaccine makes me and my family safer, keeps borders open, fills up airport terminals and breathes life back into the CBD and our economy, then bring it on.”

CHURCH SINGING ALLOWED IF MASKED

Singing is now allowed in churches and other religious venues if people wear masks, under new guidance rules.

SA Health on Saturday issued new advice for faith-based singing after restrictions were imposed last week in the wake of the Modbury cluster and lockdown.

Under state law, masks covering the mouth and nose are required in all shared indoor public spaces.

But the advice, supported by Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, states: “If singing is essential to your practice of worship or faith-based service, this is permitted. But masks must be worn at all times.”

The changes are not legal directions, which Mr Stevens authorises as state Covid-19 co-ordinator.

An SA Health spokeswoman said damp masks should be changed when singing stops.

SA Health on Saturday reported no new daily cases for a second consecutive day.

The Modbury cluster is 22 cases while 26 people are in quarantine.

A man in his 70s is stable in the RAH’s Intensive Care Unit.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has backed the new singing advice. Picture: Kelly Barnes