Thanks for joining the Student Volunteer Army’s nationwide response to COVID-19. During the pandemic, there are many things that require us to come together to help each other.
This is where you come in.
This is where you come in.
Vaccine Clinic Training
For those helping at vaccine centres
Introduction
Your support is hugely appreciated and we love that you want to get involved and help New Zealand during this global pandemic.
Please note you are unable to volunteer if you or someone in your bubble has been at a location of interest.
We are partnering with the Christchurch District Health Board (CDHB) and providing additional support as they distribute the vaccine. Your support will mean we are able to complete this distribution process much quicker, meaning everyone in Ōtautahi Christchurch will benefit.
There will be different shifts running at different clinics across Ōtautahi Christchurch. You will be helping the staff ensure it is a smooth process in these clinics. The tasks will differ at each location, but might include:
We want you to be safe and well during this time to help our essential services; please pay attention throughout this course. If you ever get stuck you can review the entire course if you need to!
We appreciate your feedback, so remember to let us know afterwards how this course and your experience could improve.
Please note you are unable to volunteer if you or someone in your bubble has been at a location of interest.
We are partnering with the Christchurch District Health Board (CDHB) and providing additional support as they distribute the vaccine. Your support will mean we are able to complete this distribution process much quicker, meaning everyone in Ōtautahi Christchurch will benefit.
There will be different shifts running at different clinics across Ōtautahi Christchurch. You will be helping the staff ensure it is a smooth process in these clinics. The tasks will differ at each location, but might include:
- Working with an admin lead to help answer questions
- Directing traffic
- Helping the public find their way
- Queue management while having a chat with the public as they wait
- Helping set up and pack down area (e.g. put chairs back).
We want you to be safe and well during this time to help our essential services; please pay attention throughout this course. If you ever get stuck you can review the entire course if you need to!
We appreciate your feedback, so remember to let us know afterwards how this course and your experience could improve.
Being a SVA Volunteer
Volunteering at SVA
We want you to have a safe and enjoyable time volunteering. As a volunteer, you are treated just the same as if you were an employee. We and our partners work hard to keep you safe, keep you learning and make sure you love coming to volunteer. During Covid-19, this can be challenging and we ask for your patience as we respond to the changing situation.
For health and safety please make sure you have closed-toe shoes and long pants. We recommend taking warm layers with you just in case you are asked to support the clinic outdoors with tasks such as directing traffic.
Part of the success of the SVA is its flexibility to mould itself to fit different situations and needs. Use your initiative and help where you can.
We ask that you, as an SVA Volunteer, strive to ‘paint a picture’. This means being :
For health and safety please make sure you have closed-toe shoes and long pants. We recommend taking warm layers with you just in case you are asked to support the clinic outdoors with tasks such as directing traffic.
Part of the success of the SVA is its flexibility to mould itself to fit different situations and needs. Use your initiative and help where you can.
We ask that you, as an SVA Volunteer, strive to ‘paint a picture’. This means being :
- Patient
- Attentive
- Intuitive
- Neighbourly
- Timely
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Keeping yourself safe
Please, keep yourself safe, do as you say you will do, and ask for help when you need it. While you are at an activity remember these four things, keep your eyes open and trust your instinct!
Also make sure to keep yourself safe in relation to COVID 19. The video below goes through more:
- Reduce the risk where you can, so that you can stay safe during your volunteering.
- Have a backup plan incase you find yourself in a tricky situation and you want to leave. If this happens, please let us know.
- Ask for help : If you are unsure or need support make sure you ask a staff member for help.
- Could you learn from this situation? Is it a chance to be reflective for next time? Can you give feedback to SVA? Take time to reflect!
Also make sure to keep yourself safe in relation to COVID 19. The video below goes through more:
- Wash your hands and Sanitise: It's really important that you use good hygiene. Regularly wash and thoroughly dry your hands and apply hand sanitiser. Always use good cough and sneeze etiquette by sneezing or coughing into your elbow.
- PPE: You must wear the appropriate 'PPE' (Personal Protective Equipment) that is required at all times.
- Social distancing: We strongly encourage that you ensure you're practising social distancing by maintaining 2 metres (3 is even better) between yourself and others and not being in physical contact with people that are not in your bubble.
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For information on how to keep yourself and others safe, visit covid19.govt.nz, New Zealand's 'Unite Against COVID-19' website.
Working with People
This section is to help you understand how to work with all people who you may meet.
Working with different groups of people can be a huge amount of fun. Here's some tips from us:
Working with different groups of people can be a huge amount of fun. Here's some tips from us:
- Be Patient
- Refrain from judgement
- Point out the benefits if they are worried
- Avoid using jargon
- Let them be involved
- Build their confidence
- Leave your phone in your pocket
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Safety
Remember, you are dealing with members of the public who may have different views and perspectives than you do: that's okay. Respectful conversation and discussion is to be encouraged.
However, what's not okay is for you to feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any way. If you do feel unsafe or at risk, it's important that you express that - either to the person themselves, or to a member of staff. If you need further support, please contact the SVA so that we can assist you.
However, what's not okay is for you to feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any way. If you do feel unsafe or at risk, it's important that you express that - either to the person themselves, or to a member of staff. If you need further support, please contact the SVA so that we can assist you.
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Dealing with disgruntled people
Covid19 and lockdown present many challenges. People are often stressed or under pressure, especially if they are coming to a vaccine appointment. This can be compounded by continually changing information and at times, cancellation of appointments.
You may be asked to direct traffic or to advise people that their appointment has been moved or cancelled. This is a reality of our current situation.
Some volunteers have reported that people were less worried about cancellation if told while still in their car compared to being told at the door.
Please use your judgement and know that any help you can provide here with someone who has had their expectations change is incredibly valued by the health staff.
Try and find a point of empathy with each person you speak with, hear them out, and thank them for telling you about their problem. Members of the public will often not understand you are a volunteer. Report problems raised to the manager or supervisor.
You may be asked to direct traffic or to advise people that their appointment has been moved or cancelled. This is a reality of our current situation.
Some volunteers have reported that people were less worried about cancellation if told while still in their car compared to being told at the door.
Please use your judgement and know that any help you can provide here with someone who has had their expectations change is incredibly valued by the health staff.
Try and find a point of empathy with each person you speak with, hear them out, and thank them for telling you about their problem. Members of the public will often not understand you are a volunteer. Report problems raised to the manager or supervisor.
Remember, you are a volunteer and not expected to know everything.
A helpful line is: "I'm not sure sorry as it's my first day and I'm a volunteer."
You can refer people to the health line for more information
Healthline 0800 611 116
A helpful line is: "I'm not sure sorry as it's my first day and I'm a volunteer."
You can refer people to the health line for more information
Healthline 0800 611 116
The Vaccine
As we've mentioned, it is important to have a chat and get to know a new friend or two. You will be around people who have just received the vaccine, so here are some tips on dealing with newly vaccinated people.
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Common side effects of the vaccine
Like all medicines, the vaccine may cause side effects in some people. This is the body’s normal response and shows the vaccine is working. Most people will have a sore arm and normal immune response - that's good - it's working!
Side effects for some people are common (usually mild) and don’t last long. Below, we talk you through these with your vaccine buddy and what to look out for. They can be more common after the second dose.
Find out more at the main source of this information : https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-getting-vaccine/covid-19-after-your-vaccination
If these side effects occur, they won’t stop the person from having the second dose or going about their daily life; they need to take it easy.
Side effects for some people are common (usually mild) and don’t last long. Below, we talk you through these with your vaccine buddy and what to look out for. They can be more common after the second dose.
- Pain at the injection site, a headache and feeling tired and fatigued.
- These are the most commonly reported side effects.
- What can help
- Place a cold, wet cloth, or ice pack on the injection site for a short time.
- Do not rub or massage the injection site.
- Place a cold, wet cloth, or ice pack on the injection site for a short time.
- When this could start : Within 6 to 24 hours
- These are the most commonly reported side effects.
- Muscle aches, feeling generally unwell, chills, fever, joint pain and nausea may also occur.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- What can help
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Seek advice from your health professional if your symptoms worsen.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- When this could start : Within 6 to 48 hours
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
Find out more at the main source of this information : https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-getting-vaccine/covid-19-after-your-vaccination
If these side effects occur, they won’t stop the person from having the second dose or going about their daily life; they need to take it easy.
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What to do if this happens?
If you are with a person and they start to get these signs, contact a staff member straight away. Keep the person seated or lying down where they are, it's important to not move them.
The staff member will take it from here and will guide you on what to do if they require help.
The staff member will take it from here and will guide you on what to do if they require help.
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I'd prefer if you are unsure at all you contact a staff member, it's really important that if you are in doubt, you notify someone. It's better to have a false alarm than no alarm at all
Richard from the CDHB
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Check your understanding
We just want to take a few moments to ensure you have understood all that you have read.
What do I do if a person is being inappropriate and I feel uncomfortable?
Check your understanding
We just want to take a few moments to ensure you have understood all that you have read.
Can I take pictures and post them on Social Media of the clinic?
Check your understanding
We just want to take a few moments to ensure you have understood all that you have read.
Can I take pictures and post them on Social Media of the clinic?
That's right!
You can not share images of others! If you want to brag about your awesome mahi or get others to volunteer - take a selfie off the premises in your SVA t-shirt
Check your understanding
We just want to take a few moments to ensure you have understood all that you have read.
What should I do if someone's breathing has dramatically changed?
Check your understanding
We just want to take a few moments to ensure you have understood all that you have read.
What should I do if someone's breathing has dramatically changed?
That's right!
Yes, if in doubt - sing out!
Check your understanding
We just want to take a few moments to ensure you have understood all that you have read.
What do you do if you are not sure what to talk about?
Check your understanding
We just want to take a few moments to ensure you have understood all that you have read.
What do you do if you are not sure what to talk about?
That's right!
Yes, ask them questions or tell them about you or an interesting story you have.
Check your understanding
We just want to take a few moments to ensure you have understood all that you have read.
What do I wear?
Incorrect.
That's not quite right. Try again.
That's not quite right. Try again.