Search for first aiders and health care specialists to help Covid vaccine campaign

St John Ambulance is inviting people it has put through courses to go through further training as it supports the NHS in the largest immunisation programme in its history.

In addition to the appeal from the charity, NHS Providers is advertising for paid roles those with experience as vaccinators, health care professionals and clinical supervisor to take on contracts of three to six months.

It is hoped the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine could soon be approved and rolled out, joining the Pfizer/BioNTech jab in the fight against the virus.

In a message to those who have completed first aid sessions, St John Ambulance said: “St John Ambulance is working with the NHS to support the roll out of a Covid-19 vaccine across the country and we need your help to do this.

"We’ve all been excited by recent announcements of new vaccines developed to help protect us against the spread of coronavirus.

"We’re writing to you with an amazing opportunity to use your first aid skills to help communities get closer to normal life by supporting people as they are vaccinated against Covid-19.

"As someone who has taken the full first aid at work qualification with us, you have a great set of skills in patient care and first aid that will give you the perfect grounding to be a Volunteer Vaccinator – a vitally important role that will help us administer the Covid-19 vaccination to thousands of people.”

It adds first aiders could also help as a vaccination care volunteer or volunteer patient advocate roles, helping people as they attend their appointment.

The NHS is looking for vaccinators, who could earn between £10.09 and £11.19 an hour.

Those appointed will “ideally have experience of administering vaccines and providing immunisation advice within a primary care team” and be educated to an NVQ level 3.

Registered Health Care Professionals will earn from £12.74 per hour and will need to be educated to a degree level – level 5 – in a relevant subject or equivalent level of experience and be a Registered Health Care Professional, as will Clinical Supervisors, who will earn £16.04 per hour, and will have further training or experience in a clinical supervisory position.

More information can be found by clicking here.

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