Multilingual program aims to boost vaccine uptake

A new educational campaign featuring COVID -19 vaccine information written in 10 languages kicked off this week.

A two-page flyer provides information on common questions related to the vaccination process, including eligibility, clinic locations and what to expect at an appointment.

It is available in the top ten languages spoken in Windsor-essex County, according to 2016 census information — Arabic, Cantonese, French, Italian, Polish, Punjabi, Serbian, Somali, Spanish and Urdu — as well an English.

The multilingual strategy is a partnership between WEVAX participating agencies — City of Windsor, Windsor-essex County Health Unit, County of Essex, Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores Healthcare — and the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC) and Windsor Essex Local Immigration Partnership.

The WEVAX website includes the Reachdeck toolbar, formerly known as Browsealoud, which includes text-to-speech, reading and translation of web pages.

The tools are accessed by selecting the ear icon on the website.

More than 100 languages are available through Reachdeck and users can also have the content read aloud.

To find out about eligibility for a vaccination, find clinic locations, book an appointment and more, visit Wevax.ca.

Anyone unable to book an appointment online can call 226773-2200.

Residents with general questions related to COVID-19 can call 211.