Two Mount Gambier high schools have been included in a school-based COVID-19 immunisation program to be rolled out to selected schools this term.

Pop-up vaccination hubs will be established at Grant High School and Mount Gambier High School from later this month as part of a six-week blitz to administer first and second doses.

Premier Steven Marshall said the school vaccine program would target 20 selected secondary schools across SA as part of the government’s plan to get South Australia COVID-ready.

“The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is our pathway out of the pandemic and is a key part of our strong COVID-ready transition plan to keep South Australia safe and strong,” Premier Marshall said.

“Every jab protects local jobs, gets us closer to easing restrictions, relaxing borders and ending statewide lockdowns.”

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the school immunisation program will be available to school staff and students aged 12 to 18 years old.

“We are determined to get young people vaccinated. Just last month, South Australia became the first state in the nation to offer the Pfizer vaccine to anyone over 12 years of age,” Minister Wade said.

“These pop-up clinics will help more young people to get fully vaccinated before the end of the school year and before they reach their end of year celebrations.

It is anticipated that schools will also run pop-up clinics on weekends so local community members in the area can also access the vaccination hub.