Volunteers Are Needed

Volunteers with various skills and abilities are needed at the Clinic Locations. Forms are provided beneath the Volunteer Descriptions on this page for Medical Volunteers and Non-Medical Volunteers. Please complete applicable forms and indicate your specific volunteer interests after reviewing the descriptions below. 

You may complete forms via computer entry or download the form in PDF format (printable version in word format). If choosing to download the forms, please mail completed forms to the Torrington Area Health District.

 Mass Vaccination 
Clinic Volunteer Descriptions

Triage: Medical Personnel (Nurses, EMT’s, Physicians) – Provide triage for any sick individuals.

Emergency Medical Personnel: respond to medical emergencies.

Must be able to respond to medical emergencies, including vaccination reactions from minor to anaphylactic shock as well as serious medical emergencies that are incidental and unrelated to vaccination but can be expected to occur whenever large groups of people congregate.

Transportation Runners: Must be able to assist handicapped individuals by providing walkers and/or wheelchairs as well as providing any assistance that is necessary.

Greeter-Educators: Greet and conduct initial orientation of potential vaccine recipients upon their arrival; provide basic information (verbally or with video presentation) about the vaccine and the vaccination process; distribute informational materials and clinic documents; explain how to complete the documents and answers questions.

Must be able to explain the purpose of receiving the vaccine, outline the clinic process and distribute and explain the clinic documents to vaccine recipients individually and in groups.

Clinic Flow Controllers: Direct vaccine recipients through the clinic process and monitor clinic flow. Will be stationed at various points throughout the clinic.

Clinic flow coordinators are responsible for continuously monitoring and directing client activity throughout the facility. They must be able to calmly manage and assist people who may be anxious and unable to follow directions. When congestion is noted, they will redirect staff as necessary to help with congestion.

Form Reviewers: Review each person’s form for completeness and accuracy. Assist clients with completing forms if necessary.

Need to be familiar with forms. They must be able to follow instructions on how to respond to unusual or exceptional situations such as non-English speaking clients or clients who are anxious, hostile or disoriented. Need to be able to assist with completing and correcting forms improperly filled out. They should be prepared to read forms to illiterate or semiliterate people needing their assistance.

Security Staff: Ensure an orderly flow of traffic and parking at staging area as well as clinic site; assist in maintaining orderly movement of people throughout the clinic; provide necessary control if people become unruly; assist supply manager in maintaining security of vaccines and other clinic supplies.

Medical Screeners: Assess clients for contraindications to vaccination; when necessary perform physical examination of patients who state that they have dermatological conditions that may constitute contraindications; and answer medical questions. If necessary refer to HIV and/or pregnancy screening. Also refer to crisis counseling as necessary.

Medical screeners should be nurses or physicians who have good interviewing skills and are well-versed in the technical information regarding exposure risks, medical contraindications to vaccination, risks to vaccination and risk-benefit analysis. Medical screeners will review the list of normal or expected reactions to the vaccine with each vaccine recipient. If necessary, they will consult with a physician to assist in final determination of whether or not to vaccinate. They will review the forms for completeness and accuracy. If the vaccine is still on the Investigational New Drug Status, medical screening personnel should ensure that the consent form has been read, signed and understood by each vaccine recipient and ask them to sign the consent form.

Data Entry Workers: Will enter clinic data into computers on-site. Must have technical skills and computer knowledge.

Translators: Will assist non-English speaking clients with all aspects of the clinic procedures.

Vaccination Assistants: Assist the vaccine administrator with all aspects of pre and post vaccination activities; ensure that vaccination station maintains adequate supplies; instruct recipients on location of vaccination; assist vaccine recipients in preparing the site (roll up sleeve, remove arm from shirt/blouse, etc.) apply dressing to the vaccination site; instruct clients about care and changing of dressing.

Vaccination assistants must have a thorough understanding of the vaccination process and the necessary supplies, proper care and handling of vaccine in the clinic, how to disinfect contaminated surfaces and disposes of soiled materials. Vaccination assistants are also responsible for entering the vaccine and diluents lot numbers on the patients consent form and clinic record and providing the vaccine recipient with a vaccination card that documents when and where the vaccine was administered. Should be able to assume the role of vaccinator if necessary.

Vaccine Administrators: Oversee the vaccination process; administer the vaccine; sign the clinic record; observe vaccine recipients for immediate reaction or complications.

Vaccine administrators can be nurses, physicians, who are licensed in the State of Connecticut and have received technical training in the administration of the smallpox vaccine. Vaccinators must have the ability to quickly develop a high level of skill in vaccinating with a bifurcated needle. They must have in-depth understanding of proper vaccination techniques, methods to prevent contamination of the vaccine, exposure risks, the medical conditions that constitute contraindications for vaccinations, the risks of vaccination, preparation of the vaccination site, normal and abnormal post vaccination responses and proper follow-up care of the vaccination site. Vaccinators must also be prepared to respond to medical emergencies that may occur within the vaccination area.

Volunteer Forms

All Volunteers will be required to have a photo ID. 
In addition to the below volunteer form you are required to complete and mail the Background Record Check Form to the TAHD - 350 Main St.-Suite A - Torrington, CT 06790.

Background Record Check Form.
PDF Format Form
(printable version in word format)

Medical Volunteers
Computer Entry Form
PDF Format Form 
(printable version in word format)

Non-Medical Volunteers
Computer Entry Form
PDF Format Form  
(printable version in word format)

All Volunteer Forms Can Also Be Obtained at The Torrington Area Health District - 350 Main Street in Torrington. Contact the TAHD with any questions or concerns at (860) 489-0436.