Reflections from a team of vaccinators

‘WE LEFT WITH WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF A HISTORIC VENTURE INTO THE UNKNOWN’

Anne Marie O’Gorman, Deputy Clinical Lead, Mallow Community Vaccination Centre, reflects on her time on the vaccine frontline

As the doors closed for the final time on Mallow GAA CVC in North Cork, it was heart-warming to reflect on the small but significant part played by one of the 36 nationwide HSE Community Vaccination Centres in combatting the deadly e ects of the unforgiving virus that is COVID-19.

The CVC team formed, stormed, normed and then adjourned with wonderful memories of a historic venture into the unknown. The indefatigable support from Peggy Horan, General Manager for the project, was immense. The transformational leadership of Mary B O’Sullivan, Clinical Lead, impacted positively on the whole team, and the sometimes inspirational and always welcome ‘Thought for Today’ provided that extra thought-provoking dimension to what was very repetitive work for the vaccination team.

After weeks of on-site preparation, an atmosphere of anticipation and apprehension was apparent at the first morning ‘safety huddle’ on April 29th 2021. This was overshadowed by the overwhelming willingness and determination of everyone to ‘get the job done’. Dressed in scrubs, wearing face masks and with many people

not knowing each other, name badges were very important. Safety was the keyword on the whiteboard and remained the cornerstone and the paramount focus of the whole team for the duration of the CVC.

Open sharing of the many vaccine-related updates by the Clinical Leads, audit of individual vaccination techniques, the use of the few incidents as learning tools, and a focus on the importance of individual self-care were the catalysts that empowered each person to do their best.

The importance of clinical focus and the need to take allocated breaks was stressed daily. Everyone was encouraged to ask questions and support each other, with the reminder that ‘there is no I in TEAM’. Someone was always ready with a word of thanks. The positive and supportive atmosphere that developed, coupled with the wonderfully spacious venue, created a workspace that was a truly enjoyable experience for all.

"The team were respectful and sensitive to the differing needs of the population attending the centre. Many people had come out of isolation or cocooning to attend their appointment and were blatantly scared to be in a large room with lots of people"

The shared laughter and craic was a welcome antidote to the consistently focused aim of the whole team. The mission was to administer COVID vaccinations safely to all who wanted them, whilst following all relevant procedures. The team were respectful and sensitive to the di ering needs of the population attending the centre. Many people had come out of isolation or cocooning to attend their appointment and were blatantly scared to be in a large room with lots of people, despite the mandatory wearing of face masks and the availability of hand sanitising stations. People who had needle phobias or extreme anxieties were spared the sometimes long queue via a quick access

Above and opposite page: The team at Mallow Community Vaccination Centre in North Cork.

route for those screened as needing it. Patience and tolerance were required to vaccinate some attendees for whom the reality of getting an injection was overwhelming. The handful of people who attended the vaccination centre to get their vaccination card but not the vaccine itself belied belief!

However, most people were just desperate to get vaccinated.

The on-site IT support worked tirelessly in the background supporting the vaccinators and highlighting individuals requiring an appointment to the clinical leads. The security team deftly handled all requests and demands and worked closely with the clinical leads to ensure that no eligible person was turned away.

At times the commitment of the prep room team to not wasting a single vaccine led to long evenings waiting for people on standby to arrive. The cheeriness and e ciency of the admin team at registration and the friendliness of the Civil Defence and Irish Red Cross volunteers maintaining social distancing in the queue, put the public at their ease. The welcoming and competent vaccinators were supported by the a able and knowledgeable medic on duty. They listened patiently to anxieties, dealt with the various clinical challenges presented to them and skilfully vaccinated everyone. The mix of irrepressible and steadfast characters in the observation team celebrated with the public, who were so relieved and delighted to be vaccinated that the 15-minute period flew. Behind the hilarity they were ever watchful for signs of adverse reactions and dealt swiftly with the minority who required medical attention. Despite the face masks, someone was always ready with a smile because, as one of the ‘Thought for Today’ reminded the team, a smile shows up in your eyes.

By the time Mallow GAA CVC held their last clinic on October 29th 2021 the centre had also facilitated and embraced multiple Schools Immunisation Clinics and Peer Vaccination Flu clinics, while the core CVC team were o -site administering COVID booster vaccinations in the 15 residential care facilities across North Cork.

As the inevitable closure drew near it was clear that the initial nerves of the early days had been replaced by friendships and a camaraderie that was palpable. A meaningful ‘bualadh bos’ at the last safety huddle acknowledged the courage, respect and sincere regard held by all team members for each other. The very gratifying total of 54,425 COVID vaccinations that had been safely administered through over 140 clinics was celebrated at a well-attended farewell social team gathering.

The whole experience will live long in the hearts and minds of those who experienced this history in the making.