The rate of children getting vaccinated in SA has dropped dramatically

More children in South Australia are being infected with Covid but the number being vaccinated has fallen dramatically, according to new figures.

The rate of children being vaccinated against Covid-19 has dramatically slowed despite more becoming infectious or missing school due to the Omicron wave, official data shows.

New SA Health figures show 1372 children aged 5-11 were last week jabbed with a Pfizer dose, compared to 21,000 over the last seven days of January.

At least 55 per cent of South Australia’s 148,253 eligible youngsters are now immunised with their first vaccination, which the government said was the best of all mainland states. Authorities hope at least 80 per cent become vaccinated.

A medical worker prepares the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine booster to be given to children. Picture: AFP

In contrast, 17,492 children younger than nine have now contracted Covid-19 – a rise of 1541 cases, or 22 per cent, in a week.

Figures show the number of sick pre-teens or teenagers, aged 10-19, rose by a fifth to 21,601 cases in seven days.

Education Department data shows 3460 schoolchildren from almost all 500 public campuses are absent – almost 700 more in a week – due to having Covid-19 or because of isolation rules.

“Childhood vaccinations play an important role in keeping children safe from a range of diseases, and this includes Covid-19,” an SA Health spokeswoman said.

Harvey, 5, with mum, Lauren Jones, and brother, Hugh, 8 excited to get their jabs at in Wayville. Picture: Matt Loxton

“Now that all children have resumed face-to-face learning, it’s even more important for those who aren’t yet vaccinated to do so, to protect them and the community from Covid-19.”

The spokeswoman said SA Health had a special family weekend planned, adding that supplies were strong with 81,766 child doses stockpiled in fridges.

Among those who have been jabbed are five-year-old reception student Harvey Jones and brother, Hugh, 8.

Mother Lauren Jones, 44, of Unley, said she had “faith and trust in science and medical professionals”.

“We are not doctors,” she said. “The more people get vaccinated the sooner we get some normality back to our lives.”

SA Health on Monday reported a man in his 80s was the latest Covid-linked death. There were 1358 new cases – 109 fewer than Sunday.

Opposition health spokesman Chris Picton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

A total of 109 patients remain in hospital after five were discharged in 24 hours. Demand at testing stations has also increased.

Labor’s health spokesman, Chris Picton, said that in the past five days 42 per cent of new cases were children.

“We are hearing significant issues across schools, and frustration from teachers and parents, that not enough was done to prepare before opening the borders,” he said.

A government spokesman criticised Labor’s “hysteria”.

“Our schools are doing better than most places across the country,” he said.

“We’re keeping our kids safe and … keeping them in the classroom to learn.”

Meanwhile, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation on Monday advised that influenza vaccines could be given on the same day as a Covid-19 jab.