SA clinics report worrying decline in Covid jab bookings ahead of super walk-in weekend across

A respiratory clinic that’s seen a drop of more than 50 per cent in jab bookings in a month is begging people to roll up their sleeves this weekend during a huge walk-in vaccination event.

Metropolitan and regional vaccination clinics are opening their doors for this weekend’s super walk-in jab event as they report a worrying decline in jab bookings.

A number of clinics reported a drop in appointment numbers to Adelaide’s Primary Health Network (PHN) in recent weeks, and it’s hoped this event would attract people to roll up their sleeves.

Reynella Respiratory Vaccine Clinic was one of them, seeing about 180 vaccination bookings a day in September, down to less than 80 a day this week.

“Up until early September, our dedicated commonwealth vaccine clinics were fully booked but have now seen a decrease in appointment uptake,” Adelaide PHN deputy chief executive officer Sarah Murray said.

I would urge all Adelaideans who have not yet been vaccinated to roll up their sleeves this weekend and get to their nearest participating clinic.”

South Australians are being offered a sausage sizzle while getting their Covid vaccine during a super walk-in-weekend at selected clinics this weekend.

Boasting as a “fun” way to get vaccinated, Health Minister Stephen Wade said about 15 regional and metropolitan clinics will take part in the “festive” event from October 23 to 24.

“During our super walk-in weekend, COVID-19 Pfizer clinics – some of which usually require a booking – will throw open their doors so people can simply walk in, get their jab and have some fun,” Mr Wade said.

“It is so important for South Australians to take every opportunity to receive both their first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This weekend will make that task both easy and fun.”

About 27 clinics across metropolitan and regional SA will be open for walk-in vaccinations weekend.

Health Minister Stephen Wade. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Roy VanDerVegt

Less than 60 per cent of South Australians are fully vaccinated.

“Vaccination is fundamental to our COVID-19 Transition Plan and we are determined to do everything we can to give every South Australian access to the lifesaving vaccine,” Mr Wade said.

“Every jab gets us closer to easing restrictions, relaxing borders and ending the heartbreak of statewide lockdowns.”

People arriving at the Wayville Vaccination Hub. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Brenton Edwards

Anyone over the age of 12 is welcome to walk in for a jab at the 15 vaccination clinics this weekend, no appointment necessary, but children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

It comes days after the State Government announced pop-up vaccination hubs would open in more than 20 schools across the state in a bid to vaccinate children and teens.

Walk-in appointments are currently accepted at vaccination clinics at Noarlunga, Elizabeth, Wayville, Enfield and Pooraka as well as the pop-up vaccination clinic at the Myer Centre in Rundle Mall.

Deputy chief public health officer, Dr Emily Kirkpatrick, said the Super Walk-In Weekend would temporarily extend walk-in availability, allowing South Australians who are yet to get vaccinated, to do so in a fun and unique atmosphere.

Meanwhile, taxi company 13cabs is offering its drivers and their families easy access to the Covid-19 vaccine and it wants other businesses to follow suit.

“If every business in South Australia follows our lead, the state will quickly reach the 80 per cent double-jab rate,” 13cabs chief operating officer Stuart Overell said.

“Our drivers and their families have been rushing to take up this opportunity to protect themselves, their families and their communities,” he said.

Drivers, their partners and eligible children can attend a vax session at the 13cabs service centre at the ­Adelaide Airport to get their shots.

“Drivers have told us they love having their families there as it helps them feel supported, and like everyone, they want to make sure their families are safe,” Mr Overell said.

He said that many passengers now requested a fully vaccinated driver.

For information on 15 clinics taking part in the “super walk-in weekend” go to: covidvaccine.sa.gov.au

Originally published as SA clinics report worrying decline in Covid jab bookings ahead of super walk-in weekend across