Free hepatitis A vaccines being offered to Peguis First Nation

The hepatitis A vaccine is available free for those who qualify.

The Manitoba government is offering free hepatitis A vaccines to Peguis First Nation amid an ongoing outbreak in the province.

On Monday, the province announced that vaccine eligibility now includes Peguis First Nation community members, anyone traveling to or working in the community and those who have household visitors from Peguis. The age of eligibility includes those six months and older.

Manitoba notes the hepatitis A vaccine is very effective in preventing infection, adding that it can be accessed through primary care providers, local public health offices, nursing stations and health centres.

As of Jan. 18, there have been 308 cases of hepatitis A linked to the current outbreak. Manitoba notes the overall risk of exposure is low.

Hepatitis A vaccine eligibility is already in place for the Manitoba communities of Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake.

The symptoms of hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus.

Some people, particularly young children, do not have symptoms, while others develop an array of symptoms, including fever, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, jaundice, diarrhea and dark urine.

The province notes that those with mild symptoms usually recover within one to two weeks; however, the virus is more severe in certain people. Those with severe illness can show symptoms for several months.

The infection can spread through contaminated water and food, as well as close contact with someone with the illness.

Anyone who develops the symptoms of hepatitis A, especially if they have been in contact with someone who has been sick, should contact their health-care provider.