Service in more than 100 languages: Manitoba helps people access COVID-19 vaccine bookings

Manitobansbooking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment by phone can nowget service in more than 100 languages.

The provincial government announced the expanded service on Wednesday, which includes accommodating requests foran interpreter, available byphone, ata supersiteon the day of vaccination.

When people book appointmentsthrough the provincial call centre at 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222), they can ask to speak to someone in their preferred language, Health MinisterHeather Stefansonsaid in a news release.

The call centre will then connect with an interpreter service and use three-way calling to link up with an interpreter.

WATCH | How to booka COVID-19 vaccine appointment in more than 100 languages:

Dr. Joss Reimer on how Manitobans can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in more than 100 languages

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Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead of Manitoba's vaccine task force, announced expanded services for booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. This includes speaking to someone in their preferred language by phone, at a supersite on the day of vaccination.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services can also be requested for supersite appointments and will be provided by tablet or computer, the news release says.

Ultimately, the goal is to get as many people immunized as possible, Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead of the province's vaccine implementation task force, said in the release, notingApril 24 to 30 is National Immunization Awareness Week in Canada.

Better language access is a key way toreduce barriers for some people, she said.

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Manitoba government daily briefing on coronavirus: April 28

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Provincial officials give update on COVID-19 outbreak: Wednesday, April 28, 2021.