Dr Andy Haynes, Executive Lead, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care System updated the media at today’s weekly virtual Covid briefing.
Speaking about the possible upcoming vaccines, Dr Haynes said:
‘I’m optimistic about the vaccine, and we are well-placed in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to carry out this work.
‘For example this year’s flu vaccination programme is already further ahead now than in all of last Winter, we are vaccinating 25,000 patients every week for flu.
‘Our target for any authorised Covid vaccination is 80,000 per week by January.
People from all walks of life are being encouraged to apply for paid work supporting the potential roll-out of a vaccine against Covid-19.
As the NHS and local councils gear up for the biggest vaccination programme ever seen, a number of new roles have been created to help deliver vaccinations over the coming months.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire health and care organisations are now recruiting for a number of roles to support and administer vaccinations to the general public.
The new vaccinators will work as part of a dynamic team delivering a safe and effective service for the mass delivery of vaccinations for both flu and Covid-19.
The role involves supporting health workers across the county to set up vaccination stations, help administer vaccines, support with disposing of clinical waste and change of PPE, while following infection control practices in place.
Dr Haynes said: “This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in an important piece of work that will benefit the general public of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We are looking to recruit people to help support our successful flu vaccination programme while it expands to encompass the possibility of a Covid-19 vaccination.
“The NHS has well established plans for delivering vaccinations, including the annual flu jab and children’s immunisations, and work is underway to build on these tried and tested approaches, so that when a Covid-19 vaccine is ready, we can deliver it safely. While GPs, hospital doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff will all be part of the plan, we need to employ more people in order to support the system further.
“We would encourage applications from people who don’t currently work in the NHS. If you have advanced first aid experience or have worked in a role which involves caring for people then please do get in touch. This might include people who have lost their job during the pandemic such as airline cabin crew or life guards for example. All successful candidates will be given a package of training and support to assist them in their role.”
The post holder will be expected to work as part of team of staff for various hours over a seven day period and will be based at one of two sites in Nottingham or the Mansfield area.
Successful candidates will receive extensive training and support in their role prior to starting.
If you would like to be involved in this exciting and essential piece of work, find out more about the jobs on offer here: https://www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/work-for-us/our-vacancies/influenza-and-the-covid-19-vaccine-roles/
