Wednesday, 16 December 2020
A student from the 糖心原创 has stepped up to support the roll out of the Covid-19 Vaccine to patients.
Jessica McMullen is a 糖心原创 PhD pharmacy student and an independent pharmacy prescriber at a GP surgery.
Jessica Mcmullen, PhD student and independent pharmacy prescriber
Jessica explains what it was like to be involved in her first Covid-19 vaccination clinic: “Just prior to the national announcement of the arrival of Pfizer’s COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2 I was invited to register my interest as a pharmacist to help work at one of the vaccination sites across Nottingham. Due to my current role in the NHS, as an independent prescriber in general practice, they were able to fast track my application and necessary checks and indemnity. I was so excited by the arrival of the vaccine I signed up for a weekend shift straight away which I could fit around my PhD studies and general practice commitments.
The day before my first 12-hour shift, which I haven’t done in a long time, I was asked to attend the vaccination centre at the King’s Mill hospital, part of the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for a run through of the protocols and procedures. At that point we were not sure how many pharmacists were available at the weekend but they assured me that there would be a resident pharmacist available throughout the day with access to the vaccine and associated supplies which were stored in the hospital’s pharmacy. In preparation for the shift I had to complete a number of online training modules specific to the COVID-19 vaccination. I have been vaccine trained for 5 years now and make sure that my immunisation, anaphylaxis and basic life support training is updated on an annual basis.
There was one clinic room in operation on the day and a pharmacist had to be present at all times in order for the vaccinations to be administered. Our main role was to ensure that the vaccine had been transferred from the ultra-low temperature freezer to the fridge 3 hours prior to use. Each vial had to be checked and accounted for and taken out of the fridge 10 minutes prior to reconstitution and keep out of direct light. We then had to do quantity and batch number checks throughout the reconstitution procedure, checking the quantity and quality of each individual syringe prepared. The correct timings needed to be recorded as the reconstituted vial must be used up within 6 hours. Needless to say we got through each vial in a matter of minutes, never mind hours, as the flow of patients kept coming.
The patients and staff were in good spirits, some patients even asking to have their picture taken whilst they were receiving the vaccine. For some, this was a keepsake of their experience in this significant moment in history and for others it was a way of encouraging their loved ones and carers to also get vaccinated. The excitement and gratitude was palpable and we experienced no serious side effects on the day after delivering nearly 250 doses. We actually ended up with an abundance of pharmacists compared to nurses so I was able to use my vaccination training to help deliver the vaccines alongside the nursing team. Meanwhile, the healthcare assistants, administration staff, security staff, medical and non-medical prescribers worked in the room next door completing the paperwork, signing the patient-specific directions (PSDs) and organising the flow of patients. It really was multi-disciplinary working at its best and a satisfying and buoyant day for all those involved and I am looking forward to another shift this weekend!”
Jessica is a great ambassador for the University and an example of how important Pharmacists are to the roll out of this vaccine. We鈥檙e very proud of the work she is doing and Jessica also demonstrates how PhD students can successfully combine research with their work as a registered health professional.
Whilst the roll out of a vaccine for Covid-19 is incredibly positive news, until the situation more widely across the country changes, the University’s existing rules in terms of social distancing, face coverings, and hand washing will remain in place .
Story credits
More information is available Jessica McMullen on Jessica.mcmullen@outlook.com or Jane Icke, Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the 糖心原创, on +44 (0)115 951 5751, jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.