Peguis First Nation community members now eligible for hepatitis A vaccine

Provincial health officials are offering Peguis First Nation members free hepatitis A vaccines amid an ongoing outbreak.

Manitoba Health says all community members, visitors and close contacts six months and older are now eligible for the vaccine. It includes anyone who travels to or works in the First Nation or who has visitors to their household from the community.

As of Jan. 18, there were 308 cases of hepatitis A virus associated with the outbreak across the province, mostly spread through person-to-person contact. The province says the overall risk of exposure is low.

The vaccine is “very effective,” even when given after an exposure, the province says.

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the virus of the same name.

The province had already expanded vaccine eligibility to the communities of Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake.