AN ARMY of novice health workers is being recruited to help administer jabs for the mass vaccination programme, in the clearest sign yet a breakthrough is within sight. In a message strikingly similar to Lord Kitchener’s First World War recruitment campaign, health bosses are declaring: “Your country needs you.”
The “first-time vaccinators” will be paid as much as £134.40 a day to inoculate tens of millions across the country in programmes running for at least 12 hours a day. Pay for those working in the London region will be boosted with a high-cost area supplement, and Sundays and public holidays will also attract a higher rate.
The roles will be three- to six-month fixed-term contracts, so even if a vaccine was ready next month, the programme would still be active in June.
Government agency NHS Professionals urged people over 18 to “play your part” in the programme.
It said: “Tens of thousands of potential vaccinators and volunteers are being sought to ensure local services are ready to protect millions of people from coronavirus when a safe and effective vaccine becomes available.”
The job specification says experience in giving injections is desirable but not essential.
The NHS advertisement: Getting You Started Guide – Volunteer Vaccinator
