Manitoba to serve vaccine bookings in 100-plus languages

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This article was published 28/04/2021 (1294 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MANITOBA is working to reduce barriers to COVID-19 vaccination by offering professional interpretive services when booking appointments over the phone.

As of Wednesday, Manitobans have more than 100 language options during phone bookings and the ability to secure a professional interpreter — including those versed in American Sign Language — during an appointment at a provincial super site.

Speaking at a news conference, medical lead for Manitoba’s vaccine implementation task force Dr. Joss Reimer said the program is designed to make it easier for Manitobans who may be hesitant about booking a vaccine shot.

“Certainly, something like a language barrier is a substantial challenge for someone to book, to show up at a clinic… It can be very intimidating to have to go and seek health care when its not your first language and struggle to understand what the person is telling you,” said Reimer.

“It’s certainly no surprise that people would be hesitant when its not their first language.”

Those seeking to use the service can call 1-844-626-8222 to book an appointment, and then identify they would like to speak to someone in a preferred language.

The call centre will connect with an interpreter via three-way call.

Requests for an interpreter during an appointment at one of the provincial super sites can also be made while booking. Appointment interpreter services will be provided over the phone.

Manitobans in need of sign language interpretation during a super site appointment can make a request, and service will be provided by computer or tablet.

As vaccine eligibility opens in several targeted Manitoba neighbourhoods, Reimer said the province is focused on getting as many doses into as many arms as possible.

“We don’t want some people in some communities to be left out of getting those doses,” she added.

In an email statement, a provincial spokesperson reiterated the language interpretation services are “specifically aimed at reducing barriers for individuals whose second language may be English and are hesitant to book their vaccination.”

When asked why the province has only just begun offering these services, the spokesperson said the initiative came about after analyzing vaccination uptake thus far.

“As the strategy evolved and we analyzed uptake participation, we identified the need to implement the language interpretation services in order to remove barriers and increase vaccination participation in a number of diversified communities,” the statement read.

julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jsrutgers