Corona vaccinators doing outstanding work

Tarja Paikkala is one of the corona vaccinators returning to work from retirement. She officially retired just two months before coming back and becoming involved in the important vaccination work since February.

– I am really happy to be able to contribute my own work input and 30 years of work experience to corona vaccinations. I also hope that the residents will make their own contribution and be vaccinated, encourages Paikkala.

The permanent staff are not enough for the huge vaccination work, so helping hands have been welcome

The city’s members of staff would not have managed to do the huge amount of vaccination work needed, so the work input of 20 retirees has been really welcome and significant to the progress of vaccinations.

– It has been great that we managed to get skilled retirees to help us. They have been really eager to come to work and enjoyed their vaccination duties, says Head Nurse Marlene Vägar gratefully.

As a rule, vaccinators work on weekdays from 08:00-16:00. In addition, vaccinations have also been given on weekends and without an appointment at drop-in evenings from 16:00-18:00.

The City of Vaasa’s vaccination work has also been assisted by the staff of the Laihia Cooperation Area’s health station, as well as nurses at clinics, other nurses from social and healthcare service units and private healthcare service providers. Currently, school nurses are vaccinating 12- 15-year-olds at health stations by appointment.

Vaccination does not need to be stressful

Vaccination can be stressful, especially for young people. However, there is no need to be afraid of getting a vaccination, as the vaccinators are highly-skilled nurses.

– Those giving the vaccines must have a valid LOVE licence, i.e. a qualification to prove medical competence in providing medical care. For example, if the nurse has been at home on parental leave, they will take a screening test to ensure their competence and right to provide vaccinations, says Assistant Head Nurse, Päivi Granlund.

Preparing vaccine doses is a complex process in which important pre-work is done by two nurses who prepare hundreds of vaccine doses ready for vaccination times.

Drop-in events are attractive

Drop-in events have been held several times. At these events, the first dose of a corona vaccine will be given to Vaasa residents over the age of 16.

– Drop-in events have attracted people who have been unsure about taking the vaccine or who have not wanted to make an appointment in advance. They find it easier to come without an appointment, explains Vägar happily.

Next drop in to the first corona vaccination is on Saturday 4th of September, Time: 9:00-15:00 for Vaasa residents over 12 years old at Kirkkopuistikko Health Station.

Vaasa residents are really grateful for the vaccinations and support the vaccinators in their good work

– We feel very good about giving vaccinations, because those who get vaccinated are happy and grateful to receive the vaccine. They can even encourage us to continue our work, says Granlund happily.

Nurses also like the vaccination work and the variation it brings to their normal work. They are happy to come to work when vaccination dates have been agreed and they are asked to do the vaccination work.

A total of almost 79,000 corona vaccine doses have been administered

A total of 78,837 vaccine doses were administered between 1 January and 24 August 2021, of which 47,379 were first doses and 31,458 were second doses.

First vaccine dose:

• Born 1910-1941: 4,525 vaccine doses
• Born 1942-1951: 6,869 vaccine doses
• Between 1952 and 2005: 34,747 vaccine doses
• Births between 2006 and 2009: 1,238 vaccine doses
• Total: 47,379 vaccine doses

Second vaccine dose:

• Born 1910-1941: 4,285 vaccine dose
• Born 1942-1951: 6,661 vaccine dose
• Born 1952-2005: 20,505 vaccine dose
• Born in 2006-2009: 7 vaccine dose
• Total: 31,458 vaccine dose

During the first vaccination, more consultation time is spent with the client and the next vaccination time is agreed, so vaccinations are given every 10 minutes. The administration of the second vaccine is faster, because then the vaccination situation is familiar to the client and no new time is needed. Therefore, the second vaccines may be given every 5 minutes.

Corona vaccinations in Vaasa