Thunder Bay residents who travel to or host visitors from northern Manitoba First Nations hit by a severe hepatitis A outbreak can now get a free vaccine, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit announced. The expanded eligibility also covers anyone who attended the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games.
The move comes as the outbreak, which has seen cases since September 2024 and was declared in April 2025, has grown to 826 cases and seven deaths across Manitoba, according to the health unit. Two cases have been confirmed at the Sioux Lookout Health Hub, the first in that area since 2011.
Due to the outbreak, free vaccination is now available if you travel regularly to, or have household visitors from, affected communities, the health unit stated. The list includes Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack, Red Sucker Lake, Peguis, War Lake (Ilford), Bloodvein River, Ebb and Flow, Cross Lake, and Tataskweyak Cree Nation.
The 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games, returning after a 15-year break, are expected to draw up to 3,000 athletes. Events run July 8-12 in Norway House Cree Nation and August 10-15 in Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation, raising concern about possible spreading of the virus.
The health unit says the risk to the general public in Thunder Bay remains low, with no local cases tied to the outbreak so far. However, poor water and sewer systems in some remote Manitoba communities have helped fuel the virus’s spread, Manitoba Health officials have said.
Residents who qualify can contact the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to book a shot. The hepatitis A vaccine is effective at preventing illness and is given as a single dose.
