WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government is partnering with Red River College to provide a free class to train people to correctly administer the COVID-19 vaccine. The college says its eight-hour micro-credential course will create immediate employment opportunities for those who have baseline healthcare knowledge, such as retired and current health-care workers and students. Through both an online component and three hours of lab-based practical training, participants will learn about the coronavirus and best practices for safely working with vaccines.

Sessions begin on Tuesday in Winnipeg, but will soon expand to be offered in other Manitoba communities. Earlier this past week, the province revealed an updated list of professionals who can administer the vaccine to keep up with the demand for immunization.

Premier Brian Pallister says the province is looking to hire more health care workers as the first shipments of a newly-approved COVID-19 vaccine begin to arrive in Canada. “We are looking for more people to step forward and join ‘Team Manitoba,’” Pallister says, “This new micro-credential will help ensure those hired to administer the vaccine can upgrade their skills if they need it, so they can be ready to vaccinate safely and quickly.”