Question reference: S5W-34441
- Asked by: Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 11 January 2021
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 25 February 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what training is required for retired medical staff to administer the COVID-19 vaccines, and what other requirements need to be met in order for them to volunteer.
Answer
Our approach to Covid-19 vaccination training builds on the well-established National Minimum Standards and Core Curriculum for Immunisation Training and is a person-centred approach.
Where an individual is returning to vaccinations after being inactive for a period of time, their training requirements will be informed by a short self-assessment. The appropriate training resources can then be accessed according to their individual training needs. Individuals with no experience as vaccinators will be required to undertake core vaccination training and will require clinical supervision when administering vaccine until confident and competent.
As well as undertaking vaccination training, returning staff will be subject to the recruitment and on-boarding procedures of their host Board. We have written to Boards requesting that they streamline induction and on-boarding of vaccinators so far as possible, including through the adoption of flexible approaches to the delivery of induction training and by allowing staff with prior experience the option to self-certify that they have completed generic training modules. We have also made clear that all possible steps should be taken to streamline the pre-employment check process. Arrangements are in place to expedite Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme checks for those involved in the programme.