COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout

The Hon. F. PANGALLO (14:40): Supplementary on vaccines: can the minister tell the chamber if the government is considering or looking at introducing incentives or rewards to lift the uptake of vaccines, particularly AstraZeneca?

The PRESIDENT: I will call the minister. I am not sure that arises from the answer, but I will call the minister.

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:41): It is an interesting point. You remind me of, I think—was it the Russians who were giving out ice creams? But that was so long ago I think it must have been about COVID tests rather than COVID vaccines. There certainly are reports in some parts of the United States of America of incentives being given, including I think one jurisdiction is putting on a lottery and participating in the vaccine program.

SA Health continues to look at all opportunities to encourage people to get vaccinated, but there is certainly no formal proposal that's been provided to me for an incentive program. I will take this opportunity, though, if I could, to put a plug in for the mass vaccination clinics. I just remind South Australians that not only did the Adelaide Showground site open on 31 April but I was delighted to be at the Noarlunga mass vaccination clinic this morning when it opened, and I look forward to being at Playford next Monday when it opens.

All three sites have free car parking. This will make it easier for people to come and be vaccinated. Both the Playford site and the master site are close to shopping centres, and, of course, they also have their own car parking.