When Asiah Vergara joined Monash Health’s vaccination team in an administration role, she never imagined she’d be helping deliver life-saving vaccines.
But thanks to the Limited Scope COVID-19 Vaccinator Program, she’s been able to do just that and get a head start on her career in medicine.
The program was introduced to help tackle the latest wave of COVID-19 by reassigning staff from non-clinical areas to the front line by providing comprehensive training and supervision to increase our vaccination workforce.
When given the opportunity, Asiah jumped at the chance to work hands-on in our vaccination centre.
“I’m very excited because I am also a science student,” she said.
“I’m very interested in how healthcare all works, and as someone who is pursuing a career in medicine, this is really proving to be an invaluable experience for my education now and for my future.”
Asiah shared her experiences in her new role at the daily COVID-19 press conference on 11 February at the Sandown Racecourse Vaccination Centre alongside the Victorian Minister for Health, the Hon. Martin Foley MP, and Victoria’s Deputy State Controller of Health System Operations, Adam Horsburgh.
Asiah prepares to vaccinate Subrat Das at the Sandown Racecourse Vaccination Centre.
“You get extensive training on how to properly and safely administer the vaccine, and make sure the patient is comfortable,” she said.
“We’re always surrounded by a lot of really awesome nurses and we’re always under constant supervision, and we can ask any questions whenever we need too.”
While she finishes up her third year of her Bachelor of Science degree, she hopes to keep contributing to the fight against COVID-19.
“I think this is a really awesome way of playing a small part in a very big solution in protecting the community,” she said.
For anyone who might be interested in joining the Limited Scope Vaccination Program, you can find more information on how to apply by visiting the Monash Health careers website.