Any other “registered vaccinators”?

[Furrybootsyecomfy]

I have my first shift as a registered vaccinator tomorrow- has anybody else signed up?
I’m a bit anxious but a bit excited too. It would be nice to have a wee thread for any of us to chat about it.

I’m a GP and have been clinical supervisor and also a vaccinator at a few sessions now.

Thanks @Mummydoctor, I’m a specialist NP in my substantive post and have a 6 month fixed term contract for 8 hours a week at a mass vaccination centre. All my vaccination “training” has been done via endless Learnpro which seems a bit daft, but will hopefully feel a bit less adrift this time tomorrow.

Honestly I’m sure you’ll soon get into the swing of things. Our GP site has been organised with slightly longer appointments in the first hour got vaccinators to get up to speed ( we’ve had Pfizer and more recently AZ). There will be clinical supervisors around if there is anything you’re unsure about. It’s been a great atmosphere to be honest!

I have my first shift booked for Thursday. I’m doing 30 hours a week (retired hcp) so have plenty time to give.
I’ve already been given my shifts for the next 3 weeks. Am really excited about it.
Had my own jab on Thursday. Only side effect was a slight sore arm (not as bad as a flu jab sore arm).

I did my first today and had a lovely time! Agree with @Mummydoctor that it’s a fab atmosphere, fizzing with hope and team spirit. Every one was friendly and supportive. Looking forward to my shift next week.
One lady even gave me a box of chocolates, although these were left in the staff base in the spirit of togetherness

I'm not a vaccinator for reasons that will become apparent but can I ask a question? I have a severe needle phobia, not just a case of 'I don't like needles' but actual panic attacks. I will have the vaccine obviously but I'm worried I might cry/have a panic attack/pass out. Do you see many people like this? I'm worried I'll be laugh at or told to grow up or go away.

@PinkSparklyPussyCat I noticed a couple of patients who seemed initially quite anxious/upset when in their pods with the vaccinators (when I was supervising) but they all had enough support from the vaccinators and then the marshalls. We kept a couple in the waiting area to make sure they felt ok before they left. Honestly, you should be well looked after

PinkSparkly it can be helpful to practice applied tension - making a fist with both hands and tensing and hold the muscles in both your arms from the shoulder to the fist for 5-10 seconds three times over. Practice a few times before you go. Basically your body thinks it's being sensible and making your blood rush away from your peripheries when you think about the injection (because if you were about to be injured on the battlefield this would save your life, its just not so helpful fainting in the vaccination centre). This will help reduce the physiological sensation and make it more tolerable.

Thank you @Mummydoctor, that's good to hear. DH will be taking me as I don't want to drive but I obviously understand he can't come in.

Thank you @ScrapThatThen, I've taken a screenshot so I don't forget.

Sorry for highjacking the thread as I'm not a vaccinator!

I’m an AHP. I have completed my vaccinator training & done one clinic. Didn’t do any injections this time tho. I did the consent part of the process. I was nervous but it was fine.