Photo: Free hepatitis A vaccine eligibility has been expanded for residents, travellers, workers and visitors connected to the host communities of the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games.
By: Steven Sukkau
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Sun
The Northern Health Region is sharing updated hepatitis A vaccine eligibility information ahead of the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care has expanded access to free hepatitis A vaccines for several groups connected to the upcoming games, which is currently taking place July 8 to 12 in Norway House Cree Nation and Aug. 10 to 15 in Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation.
The updated criteria now includes anyone aged six months and older who lives in Norway House Cree Nation or Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation, as well as people travelling to or working in those communities.
That includes athletes, staff, volunteers and visitors attending the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games.
People who have household visitors from the communities are also eligible.
The expanded eligibility is part of Manitoba’s response to hepatitis A outbreaks in several communities. The province has also expanded outbreak-related vaccine eligibility to include residents, workers and travellers connected to communities including Tataskweyak Cree Nation, Cross Lake First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation, Bloodvein River First Nation, War Lake First Nation, Peguis First Nation and the Island Lake area, which includes Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake First Nations.
According to Manitoba Health, hepatitis A vaccines are also available for people with certain high-risk medical conditions, people experiencing homelessness, inmates of correctional facilities and some community-based organization staff and volunteers.
Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Vaccination is an important tool used to help prevent infection and limit the spread of the virus.
Anyone looking for more information on eligibility can visit the province’s vaccine eligibility webpage.
People looking to book a vaccine appointment in Thompson can call the Northern Health Region at 204-677-5350.