GCU Student is supporting others to roll up their sleeve in fight against coronavirus

Fiona wanted to do her bit and took on 12 hour shifts with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Fiona wanted to do her bit and took on 12 hour shifts with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

A Radiotherapy and Oncology student is encouraging everyone at GCU to get fully vaccinated ahead of the new academic year. 

Second year student Fiona Terry has been balancing 12 hour shifts at vaccine clinics alongside her University placements over the last few months. She’s been helping to inform members of the public about the importance of getting double jabbed to help bring an end to the pandemic. 

We caught up with Fiona, who herself has been fully vaccinated since March, to hear more about her role and what people can expect when they go for their vaccine...

 
How did you get involved in being a support worker at the clinic? 

“It’s part of the NHS staff bank system and basically there was more of a demand for support workers, as they were obviously needing extra staff for the vaccine clinics.   

I can be anywhere in Glasgow but my main clinic has been at the Donald Dewar and I’ve also been working in the mosque.

My job is mainly around answering any questions people have and making them feel at ease." 


Did you feel a responsibility to step up during the pandemic and get involved with the fight against coronavirus? 

“I don’t know if I felt a responsibility as such, I just think it was something I wanted to do. Obviously I’m in a healthcare role in University, so you already have that caring nature within you.  

I felt it was something that I was capable of doing and that I could help with. I just wanted to play my part more than anything else.” 
 

What have you found to be the main concerns around the vaccine? 

“The main concern was over the AstraZeneca vaccine. A lot of people were worried about blood clots and basically what could go wrong. I think social media has had a big impact on people’s perception of the vaccine – and not in a good way. It’s important to remember that you’re more likely to get blood clots from things like “the pill” or bad diet habits. 

There have also been quite a few women who have been trying for babies that are quite sceptical about the vaccine. They had read online that it could affect fertility but again there’s no real evidence of that.” 

Talk us through what someone’s experience would be when they come to get their vaccination… 

“It’s really simple! You arrive at the clinic either with an appointment or as a drop-in. You then check-in with a member of staff and once you’ve done that you’ll maybe have to wait in a short queue – although most of the time you’ll be taken straight away. You’ll then be guided over to a member of staff where they’ll ask you a few health questions, just to make sure you’re feeling okay and that you’re not allergic to anything. Then you’ll get your wee jag, which will be over in a couple of seconds. After that, you just sit and relax for 15 minutes and that’s it!” 

What would your message be to people who are thinking about getting vaccinated but are feeling anxious about it? 

“I would say try and not listen to all the social media hype about it because a lot of it is false or blown out of proportion. It’s your chance to protect yourself but also: your friends, your family and your work colleagues. Getting both jags will probably only take about an hour out of your life at most but it really does make a massive difference.” 

 
You can access more advice and information about vaccinations on the GCU Website and NHS Inform. 

 

By Ross Clark        
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on Twitter