Virgin Atlantic staff to help administer vaccine

Cabin crew, pilots, ground and office-based teams – some of whom are medically trained – are set to work with the NHS over the coming months to assist with the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The NHS is offering a fast-track application process for Virgin staff, who will undergo training before being deployed in mass and local vaccination facilities. Roles will be paid as well as voluntary.

Jobs will include administering the vaccine as well as patient welfare and managing the logistics of vaccine centres.

Virgin staff have already volunteered at NHS Nightingale hospitals and with the London and St John Ambulance services.

Corneel Koster, Virgin’s Chief Customer and Operating Officer, said: “We are very grateful to the NHS for everything they are doing in extremely challenging circumstances.

“The mass vaccination programme is the only solution to beating this pandemic, and we’re committed to help in any way we can to support gearing up vaccinations as fast as possible.

“We are very proud of our highly skilled people at Virgin Atlantic and since the beginning of the crisis we have received an amazing response with hundreds keen to sign up and support the NHS and frontline emergency services.

“Our people undergo rigorous training programmes in their roles which include medical, safety and customer service training and the NHS recognises the value and experience they will bring to this crucial mass vaccination programme.”