Province Further Updates Hepatitis A Vaccine Criteria

Press Release

May 22, 2026

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care advises that free hepatitis A vaccines are now being offered to staff and volunteers of non-health-care, community-based organizations in Winnipeg who serve people experiencing homelessness.

The updated criteria are in response to the ongoing hepatitis A outbreak in Manitoba. The outbreak, declared in April 2025, initially affected several communities in northern Manitoba and has evolved in recent months to include cases in several communities across Manitoba. In recent weeks, an increasing number of cases have been identified in Winnipeg, particularly among people experiencing homelessness and those with connections to other outbreak communities.

Vaccination can prevent hepatitis A, including in those exposed to the virus if given within two weeks of exposure. Immunization efforts are ongoing to reach populations at elevated risk.

Eligibility for a single dose of free hepatitis A vaccine also includes individuals aged six months and older from the following groups:

• community members in the Island Lake area (Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake First Nations), Peguis First Nation, War Lake First Nation (also known as Ilford), Bloodvein River First Nation, and Ebb and Flow First Nation;
• anyone travelling to or working in these communities;
• people who have household visitors from these communities; and
• inmates of correctional facilities.

In addition, individuals with other risk factors for hepatitis A can access the hepatitis A vaccine based on existing eligibility criteria. This includes people experiencing homelessness; people who use drugs; individuals with certain high-risk medical conditions; and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

Eligible individuals can access the hepatitis A vaccine through primary care providers, local public health offices, nursing stations and health centres.

As of May 6, there have been 658 cases of hepatitis A virus associated with this outbreak, mainly spread through person-to-person contact. In Winnipeg, 143 cases have been reported. Inadequate infrastructure for sewage and water in some remote communities has contributed to ongoing transmission. There have been 142 hospitalizations, five intensive care unit admissions and four deaths.

Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Some people with hepatitis A, especially young children, have no symptoms. Others can develop a range of symptoms from mild to severe. If symptoms do develop, the onset is abrupt and can include:

• fever;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea and vomiting;
• stomach cramps;
• abdominal pain;
• diarrhea;
• dark urine;
• clay-coloured stools; and
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Those with mild symptoms often recover within one to two weeks. The illness can be more severe in some people, especially those who have a weakened immune system or chronic liver disease and people over the age of 60. Individuals with a severe illness can have symptoms for several months.

Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated water, food and close contact with someone who has the infection, even if they do not have symptoms. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after using the toilet, handling diapers and before eating or preparing food can help prevent infection if you are exposed to the virus. Soap and water works the best for killing the hepatitis A virus. If soap and water are not available for handwashing, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Anyone who develops symptoms of hepatitis A should contact their health-care provider, especially if they may have been in contact with someone who has been ill.

For more information, contact your health-care provider, public health office or nursing station, or call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).

For more information on hepatitis A, visit https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/hepatitisa.html.

For more information on vaccine eligibility in Manitoba, visit:https://gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/vaccineeligibility.html#HA.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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