Manitoba is expanding eligibility for free hepatitis A vaccinations as health officials continue responding to an ongoing outbreak across the province.

 

The outbreak was first declared in April 2025 and initially affected several communities in northern Manitoba.

 

Manitoba Health says cases have since been identified in other regions, including Winnipeg.

 

Under updated eligibility criteria, children born on or after January 1, 2010, who are at least six months old can now receive two free doses of the hepatitis A vaccine if they live in an Indigenous community, regularly travel to Indigenous communities, or have household visitors from Indigenous communities.

 

The province says vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis A and can help protect people who may have been exposed to the virus.

 

Health officials are also reminding Manitobans to watch for symptoms including fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, and jaundice. Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider.