Want to volunteer at the vaccination clinic? Some FAQs

A sign at the Auburn Mall vaccination clinic updates people on the number shots clinic volunteers have gotten into the arms of Mainers. Bonnie Washuk photo

AUBURN — Volunteers continue to be needed at the mass vaccination clinic at the Auburn Mall, with the clinic expected to operate for months.

One position in demand is vaccine registrar, said Amy Lee, vice president and chief operating officer of Central Maine Medical Group.

A registrar sits with the person getting a shot and records the patient’s name, which arm the shot is given, the kind of shot and so on.

Some potential volunteers are nervous about those duties because it involves typing the information into a computer, but it’s a simple process, Lee said, similar to filling out an online form.

“We do on-the-job training to make sure they’re supported,” she said. More registrars is “one of our critical needs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Weekends we’re doing pretty well.”

As people consider whether to volunteer, they have questions. Lee offers some answers.

Q: If someone wants to volunteer, who do they call or where do they sign up? What skills and what positions are needed?

A: Nonclinical roles at the clinic, Lee said, include welcoming and screening people for symptoms, providing wheelchairs and special assistance to patients who need them, entering patient information into a computer, managing appointment lists, monitoring patients during the observation period and stocking stations with supplies. Useful skills include a friendly attitude, customer service skills, a desire to help the community and, for some roles, a basic comfort level with computers, Lee said.

“Clinical roles include vaccine administrator: Volunteers need a current license for one of the following medical positions: RN, LPN, MA, RT, RPH, MD, DO, NP, PA, EMT-A or paramedic license,” Lee said.

For more information or to sign up, email covidvolunteering@cmhc.org. More information is available at www.cmhc.org/how-to-help.

Q: Why do you need volunteers given the many doctors and nurses already in the community?

A: “We’re grateful that so many of our Central Maine Healthcare team members, clinical and nonclinical, help out at our vaccination sites,” Lee said. But to maintain needed services for the community, and to have the staffing levels needed to run vaccination sites that are safe, efficient and comfortable, “we do have volunteers from the community. We are thankful that they give so generously of their time and talent to help protect our community.”

Q: How many volunteers have signed up? Is there a range of age? Occupations?

A: Currently 170 volunteers are signed up for the Auburn Mall clinic, from teenagers to retirees, Lee said. They come from different backgrounds — educators, citizen-soldiers, business people, veterinarians, teachers, retail workers, lawyers, pharmacists and students.”