Qualified vets and veterinary medicine students have joined the US’ army of Covid-19 vaccinators.
Veterinarians are now eligible to become vaccinators alongside dentists, emergency medical technicians, midwives, optometrists, paramedics, physician assistants, podiatrists and respiratory therapists.
President Biden authorised additional categories of qualified professionals to prescribe, dispense, and administer COVID-19 vaccines anywhere in the country in recent weeks.
This PREP Act Declaration amendment also authorises recently retired members of the above professions, pharmacists and pharmacy interns, to serve as vaccinators.
Furthermore, the amendment authorises medical students, nursing students, and students of the other eligible health care professions with proper training and professional supervision to serve as vaccinators.
President Biden encouraged states to expand further the categories of persons authorised to administer COVID-19 vaccines to respond to the local needs and availability of potential vaccinators.
He has set a goal of getting the nation “closer to normal” by July 4th.
‘Helped in a major way with the pandemic’
Meanwhile, veterinary students, residents, and faculty and staff members at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine are among those who have trained to administer COVID-19 vaccines to humans.
Approximately 30 people from the veterinary college have volunteered to be vaccinators at ISU mass vaccination clinics.
Training included a CPR certification course, practicing injections with mannequin arms, and learning safe needle practices.
Abigail Swanson, a fourth-year student, said:
“I didn’t know how I would react to dealing with humans rather than animals. It was busy and moved smooth.”
“I have a minor interest in public health, and I figured that this would be a good opportunity. Now, I can tell people that I helped in a major way with the pandemic.”
Dr Dan Grooms, dean of the ISU veterinary college, was trained to administer COVID-19 vaccines.
“This is another great example of how veterinarians are a part of the response to an issue such as this. It’s one health.” Dr Grooms said.
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