COVID-19 FEATURE
My immediate thought was that my role would be as a coordinator or administration support , but it was quickly confirmed that this would in fact be in a clinical role as a vaccinator .
I was surprised , exited , anxious and confused all at once . I wasn ’ t entirely sure if I was able to administer intra muscular ( IM ) injections under my professional registration , so I quickly did some of research and found that occupational therapists are able to administer vaccines where a patient group direction ( PGD ) is in place ( PHE 2020 ).
In addition to this , the appropriate training and indemnity must be provided to ensure that any vaccinator is working within their scope of practice and can safely administer the vaccine ( HCPC 2021 ).
I attended a face-to-face training session on aseptic non-touch technique ( ANTT ) and IM injections . My nursing educator colleagues in the learning and development department , where I am based , were patient and reassuring . They had the greatest faith in me and I felt well supported , despite learning skills far removed from my normal clinical practice .
I was then given a package of e-learning to complete , both around generic administration of vaccines and also specific to the pending COVID-19 vaccines .
The day after I completed this training , the Pfizer vaccine was approved for use in the UK and vaccination clinics in my organisation began less than a week later .
The PGD was received mid-December , so I could then administer the vaccine , and I had my first shift in the vaccination clinic on 23 December 2020 .
For me , the part that I felt most anxious about was the reconstitution of the vaccine . The vaccines are not supplied in pre-filled syringes , like other vaccines . We are supplying the Pfizer vaccine , which has to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures and goes through a cold-chain process before it is delivered to my station .
I then have to follow a careful procedure to mix the vaccine with saline , then draw up a specified amount for each patient , before injecting it into their deltoid muscle in the upper arm .
First , I observed some of my nursing colleagues complete this process , then it was my turn . My colleague , who I had completed my earlier training with , was with me every step of the way , and she observed me doing my first reconstitution and injection .
After observing a few injections , she then signed off my competencies once I felt confident and she was happy with my skills .
I am working on one of eight stations and there are doctors , ACPs and senior nurses present should I need any support , or have any clinical questions about a patient that may be beyond my scope of medical knowledge .
There is a wonderful atmosphere in the hub ; colleagues from all different professions and clinical backgrounds completing different roles in the hub , be it co-ordinating , booking appointments , vaccinating or observing people for 15 minutes after their injection .
We all have the same goal and it ’ s so wonderful to see the constant stream of people coming through the doors exited and eager to get their vaccine .
‘‘
We all have the same goal and it ’ s so wonderful to see the constant stream of people coming through the doors exited and eager to get their vaccine .
What has also struck me is how my occupational therapy skills come into play . A big part of being a vaccinator is talking to the patient and discussing any concerns they may have .
Some are worried about reports they have seen on social media , some have questions they need to ask and understand before making a decision , while others may be needle-phobic and need extra reassurance . I am able to give patients the time they need to discuss any concerns and put them at ease .
For others , it is functional advice , as the vaccine can leave patients with a sore arm at the site of the injection , so we discuss writing , sleeping , driving , work , or other activities that may be important , to ensure they can manage over the next few days should they experience this side effect . Although it was daunting at first , I have now completed several clinics and feel really confident with my new skill . I am now vaccinating for two days a week , alongside my normal roles .
I feel so honoured to be asked to be part of this historical vaccination programme and feel so proud that we are already making a difference to people ’ s lives and a step back to some normality . It ’ s humbling to see the range of people coming to us for these early vaccines , from elderly patients with their amazing life stories and strong determination to beat the virus , to the hospital , community and care home staff , who desperately want to keep their patients and loved ones safe .
I would really encourage any occupational therapists offered this opportunity to consider it if you are able to do so . This really has been a whirlwind few weeks for me and my colleagues , but we can finally start to see a positive future ahead .
References
Public Health England ( 2020 ) Patient Group Direction for COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 ( Pfizer / BioNTech ), available at : www . england . nhs . uk / coronavirus / publication / patient-group-direction-for-covid-19-mrnavaccine-bnt162b2-pfizer-biontech / [ accessed 4 February 2021 ]
Health and Care Professions Council ( 2021 ) Vaccinations : what you need to know . Available at : www . hcpc-uk . org / covid-19 / vaccinations-what-youneed-to-know / [ accessed 4 February 2021 ]
Jayne Seagrave , senior occupational therapist and AHP Practice Learning Facilitator , University Hospitals of Derby and Burton . Email : Jayne . seagrave @ nhs . net or Twitter : @ JayneSeagrave . RCOT FAQs on the administration of COVID-19 vaccination can be found at : www . rcot . co . uk / coronavirus-covid-19-0 ( see also page 9 )
OTnews February 2021 19