BRYAN, TX — As Brazos County gears up to start vaccinations in the coming days at the Brazos Center, the Brazos County Vaccine Task Force is turning to the community as dozens of volunteers are needed daily to start vaccinations.
“I have already gotten contacted via LinkedIn and text messages from people who want to volunteer and help out,” explained Jim Stewart, lead coordinator of the Brazos County Vaccine Task Force.
The American Red Cross has taken the lead in recruiting and managing volunteers for the hub.
As one of the first vaccination hubs in the state to run primarily by volunteers, AJ Renolds with the American Red Cross says volunteers will help with traffic flow, registration, and even vaccinations.
“We have a lot of different positions. Some require you to be on your feet and outside quite a bit. Some require sitting at a computer and then just being on your feet and navigating the flow of the vaccination site,” Renolds explained.
Renolds says in total, anywhere from 30 to 50 volunteers will be needed daily to help run the vaccination hub. However, the high priority needs include Spanish speakers, individuals with computer skills for data entry as well as vaccine administers.
“We do need Spanish speakers basically at every level to assist those who are only Spanish speaking, and then of course vaccinators. These people have specific skill sets, experience, and credentials to administer the vaccine. Ideally, we have people who can commit to an extended period of time or the same time every day," said Renolds.
Those interested in volunteering will need to apply online and will then be contacted via email of when they will be needed.
“So, once you have a profile, you will receive an email, and we can then send out emails with instructions, forms we need to be filled out, and then some training as well,” said Renolds.
The vaccination hub will be ready to start vaccinating individuals eligible in Phase 1B as soon as St. Joseph Health receives vaccinations.
“The word is that St. Joesph is going to receive 1,000 doses per day, and the expectation is they’ll administer 1,000 doses a day,” said Stewart.
Once up and running, the vaccination clinic will be by appointment only.