- UWC final-year nursing students will be joining the ranks of Covid-19 vaccinators.
- The students will bolster the Western Cape’s response to the pandemic.
- More than 130 vaccinators are expected to be in the field from 17 June.
The University of the Western Cape will be bolstering the province's response to Covid-19 by supplying trained vaccinators in a first of its kind collaboration.
Final-year nursing students are being trained as vaccinators to assist at provincial Department of Health vaccination sites.
This is the first nursing student-vaccinator collaboration to be rolled out in the province, says the department's Elrien Joubert.
They will work full-time at vaccination sites in the Cape Winelands, Khayelitsha East and Northern Tygerberg.
"The longer placement is to ensure that students are orientated with the requirements of the task. Also, the additional support to the staff at these sites during the third wave will be invaluable," said Joubert.
The students completed their vaccination competency training in their third year, but they have received further training under the vaccination drive.
Fourth-year student Sibongile Fumhe says this included training on how to draw six vaccine doses from one vial, the cold storage requirements of the vaccines, and other Covid-19 specific information.
Fumhe hopes to make both her patients and the public feel more comfortable in receiving the vaccine. She received her vaccine last month and now plans to use her first-hand experience to educate and reassure others.
"Many people are not comfortable about the Covid-19 vaccine. Seeing others receiving the vaccine will hopefully motivate more people to do the same," she said.
The 267 participating nursing students have been split into two groups. The first cohort of 134 vaccinators is expected to be in the field from 17 June, said Jeffrey Hoffman, Portfolio Manager of the fourth-year nursing students.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for the university and the UWC School of Nursing to be involved. We strive to provide relevant training that will allow our students to contribute meaningfully, especially in preparation for their completion as professional registered nurses."
The work will take place during the students' mid-year break as part of their clinical placement.
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