There are many Hepatitis A cases in Manitoba—most cases are in First Nations.
Hepatitis A is a virus that affects the liver. It can be serious.
There is a vaccine for Hepatitis A—most people haven’t received it.
The Province of Manitoba has updated the eligibility for Hepatitis A vaccine.
Consider getting yourself and your children vaccinated.
All children born on or after January 1, 2010, who are at least 6 months of age and who meet one or more of the following criteria can get the Hepatitis A vaccine:
~live in an Indigenous community in Manitoba; OR
~travel regularly to Indigenous communities; OR
~have household visitors from Indigenous communities.
For children who are eligible, the hepatitis A vaccine is administered in two doses.
Nurses will be offering vaccines to eligible community members.
Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation and Norway House Cree Nation are hosting the Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games soon.
All residents of Sagkeeng and Norway House are eligible for the vaccine, as well as all athletes, coaches, and people who are travelling with athletes.
People travelling for the games should get vaccinated before attending.
If people are not able to receive a vaccine before they travel, getting immunized soon after the games can still prevent illness, if they are exposed to the virus. Anyone who is *not* able to be immunized before they attend should still be immunized, ideally shortly after returning home.
It is also important to practice regular handwashing, particularly after using the washroom and before handling food.
If you have questions about vaccines, please connect with your health care provider and/or your Nursing Station.