Over the last year Bank Partners has been proud to support the vaccination of millions across London against COVID-19. Our incredible teams of Vaccinators, Marshals and Administration staff have been on the frontline of the programme which has protected the community and saved lives.
As recruitment for staff to support this programme increases again, we wanted to share some of the stories from our Vaccination Bank workers but first, here is some more information about the role of a Vaccinator:
As a COVID-19 Vaccinator, you are responsible for administering the vaccine to citizens whilst working as part of a team of NHS colleagues and volunteers. This involves the safe handling of clinical waste, use of PPE and strict infection control practises to keep everyone safe.
Crucially, you do not need to have previous experience in vaccinating, or have worked in a healthcare setting to be part of this programme. We are interested in anyone from the community who would like to be a part of a project that is making history.
This role is not only changing the lives of people receiving the vaccine, but also those administering it. Laura Brown, a goldsmith in London, who works as one of our Vaccinators, says working on Vaccination Bank has inspired her to completely change her career!
Could you introduce yourself?
I’m Laura, I’m currently a vaccinator on the COVID-19 vaccine roll out. I’m actually a goldsmith and that’s what I normally do for a living! Fun fact? I can speak a tiny bit of Finnish, because why not!
How long have you been working on the Vaccination Bank?
I’ve been with the Vaccination Bank since February and I did my training at BDC with the fabulous Middlesex nurses!
What made you decide to join the Vaccination Bank and how did you find out about it?
I’d always loved being there for people when they’d had an accident or such like and I’ve done first aid courses since I was 15. In 2016 I considered leaving my career and retraining as a nurse. Sadly, the NHS bursary was cancelled, and it wasn’t affordable. When the chance to train to vaccinate my community came up, I jumped at the chance!
How does it work alongside other work or commitments you have?
It’s been amazing, I choose the shifts I’m able to do, I’m self-employed in my other work commitments so I’m able to be really flexible. I can work as much or as little as I’m able to!
What is the best part of your job?
The people! Feeling like I’ve really made a difference, it’s an incredible privilege to be able to be part of this.
What does the average day look like when you are working a vaccination bank shift?
I don’t think there’s any such thing as an average day. The people coming through the door can be so varied from one day to the next and that’s what I love about it! Generally, though there’s always a team brief in the morning, where we’ll all get mentally prepared for the day. Lots of hand washing and hand sanitizer and a whole lot of supporting each other is a constant!
Sum up your experience working on the Vaccination Bank in 3 words?
Just three?! I’d have to say emotional, privileged and rewarding.
How has working on the Vaccination Bank affected your life?
It’s crazy, I’m now about to change my whole path. I start a one-year access to Paramedicine in January and I’ll then go into the paramedicine degree after that. In about 3-4 years I’ll be a qualified paramedic. It’s been the most rewarding and emotional thing I’ve ever done. I’m about to turn 40 and never imagined I’d be changing career or going back into full time study. I’m so grateful for the opportunity!
What would you say to someone considering joining the vaccination bank?
DO IT! Be patient, soak up every ounce of information and sign yourself up to every bit of training on offer! This is (hopefully) a once in our lifetime chance to change the world and save lives through vaccination.
If you'd like to join the Vaccination Bank as a Vaccinator, Administrator, Marshall or something else, you can see all the available roles here.