District Council of Grant records the lowest rate of Covid-19 vaccination in Australia

A regional South Australian council area has recorded the worst Covid-19 vaccination rate in the country and the closest dedicated clinic is almost booked out until Christmas.

A regional South Australian council area has recorded the worst Covid-19 vaccination rate in the country and the closest dedicated clinic is almost booked out until Christmas.

Federal data revealed only 14.2 per cent of Grant residents had received their first shot with 5.5 per cent fully vaccinated as of August 29.

Take-up is well below the state average, with more than half of South Aussie adults receiving one dose, with one third fully vaccinated.

Neighbouring Mount Gambier’s rates are 59.3 and 29.6 per cent respectively.

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SA Health had announced mobile and pop-up vaccine clinics would cover almost 120 priority suburbs across Adelaide and the Hills but it did not respond to questions if it would extend the program to Grant.

There are only a handful of Pfizer jabs available at the Mount Gambier Central Shopping Centre Covid-19 vaccination clinic before Christmas, but appointments for AstraZeneca are available nearby as early as tomorrow.

A spokesperson said 800 weekly appointments will added across Limestone Coast Local Health Network clinics with more also available at GPs and pharmacies across the region.

“The additional appointment will be available from next week and become available online as the supply of the vaccine increases,” the spokesperson said.

Vaccines in the Mount Gambier region have increased by 800 appointments. Picture: Jessica Ball

“Appointment availability is dynamic and changes each day with changes to supply and people making bookings or rescheduling.

“Everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against Covid-19 is encouraged to regularly check the online booking system for new appointments and book in to receive their vaccine as soon as they can.”

Grant chief executive Darryl Whicker said the council had promoting regional vaccination clinics and how to book via its Facebook page.

“Council supports the Covid-19 vaccination rollout,” Mr Whicker said.

“Council has also supported broader Covid safety and encourages residents from the District Council of Grant to book in for their Covid-19 vaccination.”

The comments come after police issued a direction requiring people to be vaccinated if they wanted to enter SA – and then backflipped on that instruction on Monday.

MacKillop MP Nick McBride’s Naracoorte-based office was inundated with calls from people seeking clarity on the requirement saying concerns centred on two main issues – a lack of local vaccine appointments before September 24 and the removal of their choice whether or not to get the jab.

Vaccination appointments can be booked at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidvaccine