York dentist vaccinator is urging people to get a Covid jab
Doctor Japkirat Sond was one of the first dentists in the country to work as a vaccinator at Askham Bar.
One of the first dentists in the UK to act as a Covid vaccinator has been sharing his experiences of working at the Askham Bar site in York.
Dr Japkirat Singh Sond was originally a flu vaccinator at the vaccination centre. He studied dentistry for five years at Plymouth University and currently works as a dentist at Beech House Dental Practice in Ripon. He lives in Leeds and does the 40 minute commute 4 days a week, with the fifth day travelling to Askham Bar.
Nimbuscare, who run the vaccination site there, said: "Last year the NHS, in partnership with Public Health England in Yorkshire and Humber, recognised a need to recruit extra vaccinators.
"So, Health Education England (Yorkshire and Humber) agreed to feely offer all 106 of their newly graduated foundation dentists to support the delivery of the vaccination programme across the region, as part of a public health placement.
"In September 2020, for the first time nationally, all 106 foundation dentists were trained by Leeds Beckett University and, in collaboration with a host of local NHS organisations, systems and processes were set up for them to join the local vaccinator workforce.
"In October 2021, 28 Foundation Dentists were appointed as vaccinators at the York Askham Bar. The programme was the first to go live in Yorkshire and the Humber. And since January, the dentists began supporting the Covid vaccination programme".
Dr Sond told Greatest Hits Radio York: "I started the first shift on the 22nd December, and I had been offered it by Nimbuscare as we were doing flu vaccinations. I really wanted to get involved as it was for a good cause.
"I wouldn't say I lead the way myself - it's definitely a team effort and we've all been included equally. Saying that, I do feel honoured knowing that I was one of the first dentists to do this".
Japkirat says his family have been watching his progress closely, and are very proud of him: "They're really loving it, especially my grandparents who haven't seen me for a while. They get to see the work that I'm doing through social media and on video chats.
"Mum and dad are always asking how many jabs I've given out and how I'm doing. My brother's quite surprised that I've been on the radio now! But they're really pleased with the contribution that I've given to the community here".