Colfe’s students help vaccine roll-out

Four Year 13 students who plan to pursue careers in medicine and pharmacy have been gaining valuable experience as COVID-19 vaccinators.

Sumayyah, Ramyaha, Max and Caela undertook vaccination training during July. This included them giving 20 vaccinations under supervison, before taking up paid roles at the Mangal Pharmacy Vaccination Centre in Eltham.

“The opportunity came through the Head of Careers, Mrs Bean, who suggested it would help us with writing our university applications,” the students commented. “It’s been really rewarding to meet so many different people in the community and it’s  taught us how to engage with patients. Some have been really nervous but we’ve learnt lots of strategies to help people relax.”

Alok Mangal, owner of the Mangal Pharmacy, said: “Sumayyah, Ramyaha, Max and Caela are a credit to the school. They are simply fantastic. I am impressed with the maturity, calmness, assurance and confidence they exhibit in all that they do. They have all had to deal, at times, with difficult and stressful situations and have done so admirably. I wish them well with their university applications.”