Undergraduate nursing volunteers in the vaccination campaign against Covid-19: experience report

Abstract

Introduction Covid-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Due to the high rate of transmission, Brazil accumulates more than 22 million confirmed cases of the disease and more than 600 thousand deaths. The National Immunization Program (PNI) adopted vaccination as one of the strategies to fight covid-19. In the city of Araras, in the state of São Paulo, the vaccination campaign started on January 22^nd, 2021, aimed at the group of healthcare professionals who were working on the front line. Objective This study aims to describe the experience of fourth-year undergraduate nursing students from a philanthropic university center in their participation in the covid-19 vaccination campaign in a city located in the interior of São Paulo state. Methods This is an exploratory qualitative study in the form of an experience report, which was developed by undergraduate students. Results The participants assisted in administering doses to the population since the beginning of the campaign and had the opportunity to explore and enhance their skills, encompassing the university's three pillars: teaching, research, and extension. Conclusion This technical experience facilitated the development of characteristics such as responsibility, empathy, technical skills, and professional empowerment of students in practical activities.