fitness
13 hours ago
Hepatitis A vaccine eligibility expanded ahead of Indigenous Summer Games
Manitoba Health is expanding eligibility for free hepatitis A vaccinations ahead of the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games as the province continues to respond to an ongoing outbreak that has spread across multiple regions. Expanded eligibility for host communities and attendees The province says people aged six months and older in Norway House Cree Nation and Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation are now eligible for the free vaccine. Eligibility also includes anyone travelling to or working in those communities, including athletes, staff, volunteers and visitors attending the Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games, as well as people who have household visitors from the two host communities. The games are scheduled to take place July 8 to 12 in Norway House Cree Nation and Aug. 10 to 15 in Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/pol-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1647631135332-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1647631135332]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'hepatitis-a-vaccine-eligibility-expanded-ahead-of-indigenous-summer-games'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Health officials are urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated as early as possible ahead of the events, but say vaccination can still provide protection if received after exposure or travel. Outbreak continues across Manitoba The province first declared a hepatitis A outbreak in April 2025 after cases were identified in several northern communities. Officials say the outbreak has since expanded to multiple regions of Manitoba, including an increasing number of cases in Winnipeg. As of June 21, 2026, Manitoba has recorded 826 cases of hepatitis A since September 2024, with transmission largely attributed to person-to-person contact. There have been 183 hospitalizations, eight intensive care admissions and seven deaths linked to the outbreak over the same period. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/pol-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1647631135332-bbm2'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1647631135332]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'hepatitis-a-vaccine-eligibility-expanded-ahead-of-indigenous-summer-games'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Existing eligibility maintained The province says existing vaccine eligibility remains in place for several groups, including children born on or after Jan. 1, 2010, who are at least six months old and who live in, travel to, or have household visitors from Indigenous communities. A single-dose vaccine also continues to be available for individuals connected to outbreak-affected communities in the Island Lake area, Peguis First Nation, War Lake First Nation, Bloodvein River First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation, Cross Lake First Nation and Tataskweyak Cree Nation. Other eligible groups include people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, inmates in correctional facilities, and staff and volunteers at Winnipeg community organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, as well as individuals with certain high-risk medical conditions, also remain eligible. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/pol-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1647631135332-bbm3'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1647631135332]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'hepatitis-a-vaccine-eligibility-expanded-ahead-of-indigenous-summer-games'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Symptoms and prevention Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection spread through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person, including those who may not show symptoms. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine and jaundice. While many people recover within one to two weeks, health officials say the illness can be more severe in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Manitoba Health says frequent handwashing with soap and water remains one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission. Anyone who develops symptoms is advised to contact a health-care provider, local public health office or nursing station.