The Northern Territory Government’s vaccine rollout is being launched in Darwin schools this week with students from Essington Senior College rolling up their sleeves today.
This week COVID-19 vaccines are being administered at schools including Taminmin College, Palmerston Senior College, Casuarina Senior College, SEDA College, Good Shepparton Lutheran College, O’Loughlin College, MacKillop Catholic College, Centralian Secondary College and Acacia Hill School.
Vaccines have already been administered at St Phillips in Alice Springs.
“The Territory Labor Government was the first jurisdiction to extend eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to Territorians aged 12 and above and now we are getting on with the job of vaccinating eligible school students,” said Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles.
“Children aged 12-15 have only been eligible for the Pfizer vaccine for a short period of time and we have already seen more than 1550 first doses administered and more than 50 kids are fully vaccinated.
“The vaccine is safe, free and effective and I call on all Territorians to do their bit to protect their family and community from this virus.”
The Minister said senior students were being prioritised for the vaccine rollout to ensure no disruption during exam periods in the final weeks of term four.
Middle school students will begin to receive their first dose next month.
More than 70% of Territorians have now received their first COVID-19 dose and more than 50% are fully vaccinated.
“Under the school immunisation program, eligible middle and secondary students in Darwin Katherine and Alice Springs have the opportunity to receive their COVID-19 vaccination at school,” said Minister for Education, Lauren Moss.
“This gives families the choice of having their children vaccinated at school, rather than needing to attend a GP or Vaccination Clinic.”
