How are people’s vaccinator job applications going?

[JacobReesMogadishu]

We had a previous thread which I’ve lost. So after originally filling out the form to register my interest in Nov with NHSP and being told I’d hear back within 7 days I only got a link to fill out a proper appt a few days ago.

Done the application now and been told to wait to hear if I’m successful or not. I can really only weekends as I have a substantive 9-5 job to do but hopefully they will want all hands on deck and not turn a registered HCP who knows how to wield a needle away!

Trying to get shifts is another matter! There are just no shifts available and when the local mass vaccination hub has 3 vaccination stations/bays it does not look like there will be much call for her services.

We have a family friend who runs a GP vaccine programme at her local surgery. Unfortunately, DD is only allowed to work at mass vaccination hubs and not GP surgeries or pharmacies as she is employed by the local NHS trust.

Yeah I'm struggling for shifts (SJA). My closest vaccination centre doesn't have SJA there yet, and then the next closest are inundated with volunteers by the looks of the system.

Got my first booked as an advocate on 13th March.

1 in April and 2 in May booked as a vaccinator, but between 30-50 mins drive from me. Also not sure they will go ahead based on others' experiences. Hopefully the closer vaccination centre allows us to help out soon :)

I did my F2F vaccinator training last week. We were told that they're expecting it to get very busy in 2 to 3 weeks time ....but not to expect much before then. As I don't have login details for the bank (this is via NHSP) I cannot gauge at the moment what shifts are likely to be available.

My ID badge arrived! It took nearly 2 months but got there in the end. Like many of the other SJA vaccinators, there are only carer/advocate roles near me. I've booked one for next week but not confirmed yet.

Hope it goes through ok @cathyandclare.

I can log in and see the bank, bit haven't completed face to face training.

They are desperate for band 5 staff where I am. I do 30 hours and am doing an extra six tomorrow and an extra six on Sunday.
Please, please hang in there. We need you!

I'm still the same @Foilball
I did get a generic email from NHSP to say that the individual trusts will be in contact when vaccinators are needed and that there's no need to get in touch with them in the meantime. Still keen to do it but I'm also resigned to not being called up!

Finally! I got an email yesterday telling me I have passed the vetting stage of the process and now all (!) I have to do is pass the occupational health screen, more online training ..... how can there be more? And then my details are sent to the employing trust so I can be deployed. I am pleased as the whole thing was taking so long and seemed so cumbersome I had really begun to think it would never happen. But I know I’m not there yet, still a long way from actually being given any shifts.

Update from me,again.

After complaining last week to the trust that NHSP were saying the trust had to book me on for my first shift to actually vaccinate people,and the trust saying NHSP had to do it,the Trust emailed me this morning saying they could book me in next week if I gave them my availability,which I have done.

Just a head up to anyone applying through the national vaccination programme,it's taken me since Dec to get to the face to face training point and things are still no faster/clearer. I have my polo shirts and my bank shift log on,and there are not shifts,ever,even going into May/June! This might just be my trust but obviously thought I'd let you all know.

Great updates everyone. Seems as though very few have actually got regular shifts?

@StellaOlivetti I am at the stage of waiting to be deployed. I have been cleared since 14/02 and haven't heard a whisper.

Rumour has it that vaccine ramp up might be happening by 15/03 to start second vaccines/open up to wider adult population- so I was hopeful I miiiiiight hear something?

Really though, I think it's been a waste of time for me.

@Layladylay234 that must be so frustrating.

@MrBeagles

Great updates everyone. Seems as though very few have actually got regular shifts?

@StellaOlivetti I am at the stage of waiting to be deployed. I have been cleared since 14/02 and haven't heard a whisper.

Rumour has it that vaccine ramp up might be happening by 15/03 to start second vaccines/open up to wider adult population- so I was hopeful I miiiiiight hear something?

Really though, I think it's been a waste of time for me.

I'm all set up now. First shift confirmed 20th March - not as a vaccinator, but keen to help. I have booked a vaccinator shift for 3rd April, hopefully it goes ahead.

Also hoping more local centres open, as currently none in my district so travelling further for shifts.

(SJA)

DD has now done 3 shifts. All of them were for a band 3 HCA, however, she has vaccinated at every shift. On one of the shifts she rotated round HCA, vaccinator and admin (for the vaccinator), so she is now trained up on all roles including navigating the computer system. It really depends on your site and colleagues. DD has been very lucky and worked with proactive line managers.

I even managed to get a spare dose when I picked DD up from her 2nd shift. I am in group 6 so was due in the next week or so anyway, but the line manager said give mum a ring, we will do her tonight.

I trained with SJA and have not had a single shift confirmed there are about 30 volunteers for each shift. I have no idea why they are still training people when there are no shifts available? Given there is an army of volunteers to vaccinate I don’t understand why they don’t let us get on with it and release paid nhs staff to get back to running the overwhelmed Heath service?

@farfallarocks because most of the paid nhs staff are retired folk who have come out of retirement to help out (RHCP) or student nurses/medical students helping out. They are not seconded from wards etc (this is what is happening at the vax centre I work in).

I see although I still thinks it makes sense to use volunteers instead? If nothing else the huge cost saving?

@farfallarocks but you’d still need RHCPs to draw up the vaccines and take consents.

What a waste of NHS money then, if they are paying lots of people instead of using the trained volunteers .
I understand they need to have a clinical lead and qualified staff on site in case of anaphylaxis but the rest should ideally be volunteers.

@zighead - it’s a legal requirement that only RHCPs draw up and consent.

@HildegardNightingale

Ah thanks, I didn't realise that about the drawing up as my friend's daughter who is only 18 and still at school is making out that she does the whole lot.
I still don't understand why teenagers with no healthcare training are being paid £10 an hour when there are volunteers (often retired hcp) not able to get shifts.

@zighead - no idea either.

Sja volunteers should be able to draw up its not exactly
Rocket science. What I object to is wasting everyone’s time. Hours of training and it’s pointless I really don’t get the logic.

In Germany someone drew up a whole Pfizer vial (1.8ml) and gave it to a health care worker. They did this 5 times.
No it’s not rocket science.

I'm a non HCP for NHSP and I've been trained to draw up. I cannot do the consent part.