State plans to administer Covid-19 vaccines at Royal Show

Adelaide’s vaccine hub South Australia’s vaccine hub at the showgrounds will stay open during its annual Royal Show where eligible people can pop in for a jab while enjoying the event.

Eligible South Australians will be able to get a Covid-19 vaccine before digging into a dagwood dog or snapping up a showbag at its annual Royal Adelaide Show.

Premier Steven Marshall said the metropolitan hub would remain at the showgrounds during the nine-day event that draws thousands from across the state.

The vaccination clinic opened at the Wayville site about four weeks ago, which is where the Royal Show is held annually.

He made the announcement on Thursday, exactly 100-days out from the event’s opening day.

“We’re going to open positions for people to get vaccinated while they're here at the Show so people can walk up and book in,” Mr Marshall said.

“We’re looking at every single opportunity to make sure we have an effective vaccine rollout.”

Royal Adelaide Show goers will be able to enjoy a Dagwood Dog and get their Covid-19 jab in the same place. Picture: Supplied/ Royal Adelaide Show

The Wayville vaccine hub will remain operational during the entire nine-days the Royal Adelaide Show is open. Picture: Matt Loxton

SA chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said she was “equally excited” as the Premier for the hub to be accessible during the spectacle.

She said SA Health’s vaccination operations group were working through the details.

“It really is good news, particularly for young people,” Professor Spurrier said.

“Our expectation is that by that time, we will have more Pfizer available and will be in our final phase of the roll out.”

Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society chief executive John Rothwell said the association did not plan to have the vaccine clinic operate during the Royal Show.

But, he said the program had so far run “so well” that it was prepared to tweak its usual layout to accommodate it.

“We will be looking at how we redesign elements so we can still have the essence of every bit of the show as well as having the vaccine centre,” Mr Rothwell said.

“We lose about 3000 sqm (in the pavilion) … and we’ll recast the mould on where we place our exhibitions and displays — which we have to do anyway for a Covid-safe Show.”

Professor Spurrier said SA Health was currently working through operational details so jabs could be administered during the nine-day event. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dean Martin

He said it was probably that there would be two entries to the clinic; one specifically for people only attending to be vaccinated, and the other for show revellers.

One metro vaccine hub currently open is at Noarlunga in Adelaide’s south, and another will open at Playford on Monday in Adelaide’s north.

As per the national roll out, anyone older than 50 and those younger than that age with a medical condition are currently eligible to get the jab.

It was announced earlier this week that residents in country SA over the age of 16-years can also get vaccinated at one of 35 regional clinics, but they need to prove they live outside of metropolitan Adelaide.

Mr Marshall said the state was leading the nation with its vaccination roll out and wanted the momentum to continue.

The Royal Adelaide Show will be run from September 4-12.