SA vaccination clinics stay open as Covid cases peak

The former Liberal government had planned to start closing vaccination clinics in the first week of April, with all but two state-run clinics to have closed within weeks and the Wayville clinic close by May 29.

A statement from Premier Peter Malinauskas' office said these closures would have come as the COVID peak is about to hit and over 65s and vulnerable South Australians are due to have their fourth vaccination to protect against COVID as winter draws near.

The Wayville site will stay open until July 31, while other state-run clinics at Playford and Noarlunga and regional areas have been extended until June 30. Pop-up clinics will stay open until June.

The newly-elected Labor government said this will help more than 300,000 South Australians eligible or overdue for a booster to get their shot, 270,000 South Australians get their fourth shot, and thousands of five-11 year olds who have not had their first dose.

SA Health has also been asked to start work on a long-term vaccination plan to ensure there is capacity for future vaccinations and boosters from next financial year.

The state is expected to hit its peak number of Covid cases this month. New modelling by the University of Adelaide, released by SA Health, shows the state will reach a peak of 5500 new Covid-19 cases per day, down from the previous prediction of 8000.

Mr Malinauskas said the clinics had provided a critical service to South Australians.

"The nurses who provide this service have done an amazing job in vaccinating our community," he said.