questions and answers
COVID-19 Vaccine Transportation Coordination Program
For more information: call 211 or visit the website, 211 Manitoba or, Transportation Options Network for Seniors.
What is the COVID-19 Vaccine Transportation Coordination Program?
The COVID-19 Vaccine Transportation Coordination Program is an initiative that will help connect seniors and others with mobility impairments with local transportation services to help them get to vaccination sites. Seniors can call United Way’s 211 MB phone line which will then help identify and connect them to existing handi-transit services and transportation providers across the province. The COVID-19 Vaccine Transportation Coordination Program will be aligned with the current Government of Manitoba vaccination booking system.
Who is eligible to use the Vaccine Transportation Program?
The Vaccine Transportation Coordination Program is available to seniors, and others with mobility issues, who are in need of a ride to a vaccination site. 211 MB will make every effort to provide referrals to any individual who requests referral for transportation, although calling 211 MB cannot guarantee that the client will receive transportation to the vaccination site. 211 remains open and available 24/7 to any person seeking to be connect to government, health, and social services across the province.
Is 211 available province-wide?
Yes.
Will 211 MB book transportation for clients to the vaccine site once they have their vaccination appointment booked?
211 MB will not book rides for clients. 211 MB will be acting as a referral service to the appropriate transportation provider in a client’s community.
Will the Vaccine Transportation Coordination Program provide a free ride to the vaccination site?
The Vaccine Transportation Coordination Program will not be providing free transportation to vaccine sites. This service is being offered to connect seniors and others with mobility issues with transportation providers within their communities. It remains the responsibility of the individual to contact and schedule a ride with the transportation provider in their community once the referral has been made. If additional support to book transportation to a vaccination site is required, this can be discussed with the 211 MB Service Navigator.
Am I guaranteed transportation through this service?
211 MB will do everything possible to identify transportation services available for eligible individuals. However, depending on the date and time of your appointment, the distance to your appointment, and the number of transportation services operating in your community, it may not always be possible to connect all callers to 211 MB with a service.
Who is offering the vaccine transportation program?
United Way’s 211 MB is delivering the Vaccine Transportation Coordination Program in partnership with Transportation Opportunities for Seniors (TONS).
When can I call 211 MB to book a ride?
Once an eligible individual has a vaccination appointment booked, including date and time, they can dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in the province to connect with 211 Service Navigators who will assist in providing information about and referral to appropriate transportation provider in your community.
Is service available in French, or other languages?
Yes. 211 Manitoba is available in 150 different languages including French.
Can I choose which transportation option I take, or is it assigned to me?
Yes. 211 MB will provide you with information about the services available, and you can choose which to book. This might include handi-transit, taxis, shuttle services, or other appropriate rides.
In accordance with Manitoba Public Health orders, all transportation providers are required to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment during each ride. It is also expected that transportation providers will be cleaning their vehicles regularly to ensure that clients are adequately protected.
What should I do if I have to cancel or reschedule my vaccine appointment?
Call your transportation provider directly to let them know. When your appointment is rebooked, you can call 211 again.