As the BC government rolls out its COVID-19 vaccination plan, MOSAIC is working to ensure that newcomer communities have the support and information they need.
Improving health outcomes for refugee and immigrant communities is a key priority for MOSAIC, and the vaccine rollout is no different.
“Due to language, cultural and systemic barriers, newcomer communities often have limited access to information and resources. Obtaining equitable access to health care has been an ongoing issue for newcomer communities, which is why it’s so important to address these challenges with the vaccine rollout,” said Darae Lee, Senior Manager of Settlement and Integration Programs.
MOSAIC staff regularly seek and obtain up-to-date information with Immunize BC and health authorities in order to inform newcomers about COVID-19 and registering for vaccinations. This includes delivering information in more than 20 languages through phone calls and virtual meetings.
As the vaccine rollout expands, MOSAIC staff will continue to support newcomer clients to book appointments. MOSAIC will also work with AMSSA BC (Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC) and other settlement organizations to ensure clients have a good understanding of the vaccine rollout, and when to register.
MOSAIC is currently conducting a survey, open until March 15th, to gather information directly from newcomer communities about the support they need when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination. The survey is available in the following languages:
- English –
- Arabic –
- Traditional Chinese –
- Farsi –
- Korean –
- Tigrinya –
