APUA 1/2021

TRAINED AND MOTIVATED VOLUNTEERS HELPING WITH CORONAVIRUS VACCINATIONS ALL OVER FINLAND Inkeri Metsäpelto wanted to give her own contribution to combat the coronavirus and registered as a Red Cross volunteer. A T THE end of 2020, the Finnish Red Cross received a request for assistance from Vantaa. After a long wait, the coronavirus vaccine was finally available and would begin to be administered to older people in January 2021. The challenge for the City is finding helping hands for the vaccination events. To allow for the healthcare professionals to focus on vaccination, volunteers are needed to guide and instruct those coming to be vaccinated, and volunteers with first aid skills are needed to monitor the vaccinated for possible side effects. The Finnish Red Cross recruited and trained hundreds of new volunteers in January and February. One of these volunteers is Inkeri Metsäpelto from Vantaa. ‘I want to do my part in ending this coro- navirus some day,’ Metsäpelto says. ‘YOU RECOGNISE THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW EVEN WITH A MASK ON’ Metsäpelto goes to guide and instruct those coming for vaccination two to three times a week in Myyrmäki, Vantaa. She has been volunteering for a month now and has found it very rewarding. ‘The vaccine recipients are so grateful for our help and of course the vaccine. Some of them come to the lobby to wait well in advance to make sure they don’t miss their turn. Here in Vantaa, some are already receiving the second dose of the vaccine, so you get to see some familiar faces.’ VOLUNTEERING IS APPRECIATED Cities have praised the Red Cross for its help with the coronavirus vaccinations. According to Niina Hirvonen , the first aid coordinator for the Helsinki and Uusimaa District, the volunteers’ commitment and competence are particularly appreciated. Many cities will need more helping hands as the vaccinations begin. ‘As more vaccines become available, more volunteers will also be needed. This is a great opportunity for new volunteers to join our activities as well,’ says coordinator of national preparedness Marko Korhonen . O The Finnish Red Cross recruited and trained hundreds of new volunteers in January and February. LEENA KOSKELA Summary in English 10