Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 13) — Select medical and nursing students may now volunteer to be COVID-19 vaccinators under the government vaccination program, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced on Saturday.
In a joint memorandum with the Department of Health, CHED said post-graduate and undergraduate interns, clinical clerks, and fourth-year medicine and nursing students may join the National COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment and Vaccination Program.
Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-003 provided the guidelines, which stated that students can participate as health screeners, vaccinators, and pre/post vaccination monitors under the supervision of licensed physicians and nurses.
The memorandum covers all public and private higher education institutions with medical schools and colleges, as well as hospitals with national internship programs.
The students may participate regardless of their area’s risk classification, as long as the vaccination sites have been approved by education institutions, the document further stated.
Those interested will have to apply by submitting the following requirements to their hospital or institution:
1. Informed consent from the volunteer
2. Informed consent from parent or guardian
3. Vaccination card as proof of full vaccination against COVID-19
4. PhilHealth membership
5. Medical certification from a duly licensed physician reflecting absence/presence of comorbidity
Participants will also complete online courses from the DOH website and receive orientation and training on specific COVID-19 vaccine brands.
Their duty will be at most, eight hours a day for two weeks.
