The “first-time vaccinators” will be paid as much as £134.40 a day to inoculate tens of millions across the country in programmes running for at least 12 hours a day. Pay for those working in the London region will be boosted with a high-cost area supplement, and Sundays and public holidays will also attract a higher rate.
The roles will be three- to six-month fixed-term contracts, so even if a vaccine was ready next month, the programme would still be active in June.
Government agency NHS Professionals urged people over 18 to “play your part” in the programme.
It said: “Tens of thousands of potential vaccinators and volunteers are being sought to ensure local services are ready to protect millions of people from coronavirus when a safe and effective vaccine becomes available.”
The job specification says experience in giving injections is desirable but not essential.
Instead applicants must show “commitment and willingness to complete the appropriate learning and development courses as required”.
Hospitals have been told to get ready for a vaccine roll-out by next week.
Deliveries of the Pfizer-BioNTech jab could arrive as soon as December 7, subject to regulatory approval.
An NHS spokesman said: “All staff who administer a vaccine will receive comprehensive training, expert assessment and clinical supervision.”
