In response to the ongoing outbreak in Manitoba, the Ontario Ministry of Health has introduced a targeted, interim hepatitis A immunization strategy. Existing eligibility for publicly funded hepatitis A vaccine in Ontario remains unchanged and continues to apply.

Expanded Eligibility

Key message: Ontario has temporarily expanded publicly funded hepatitis A vaccine eligibility for people aged six months and older with specified connections to Manitoba.

Under Ontario’s interim immunization strategy, one publicly funded dose of hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for people aged six months and older who:

• Work with, volunteer, travel to, or receive visitors from any Indigenous community in Manitoba. 
• Are homeless or underhoused and are travelling to or spending time anywhere in Manitoba.

Actions for Health Care Providers and Community Partners

Health care providers and community partners are asked to identify eligible people, explain the interim recommendation, and help them obtain one publicly funded dose of hepatitis A vaccine where appropriate. Please support implementation by:

• Identifying individuals who meet the expanded eligibility criteria.
• Informing eligible individuals about the recommendation.
• Offering one publicly funded dose of hepatitis A vaccine or supporting access through an appropriate health care provider.
• Sharing this information with people and organizations that serve those who are travelling to Manitoba or have connections to affected communities and settings.

Background

The outbreak began in April 2025, initially affecting several First Nations communities in northern Manitoba, and has since expanded to other areas, particularly among people who are homeless or underhoused in Winnipeg.

As of July 16, 2026, Manitoba had reported 898 cases, including seven deaths. Ontario had identified four cases genetically linked to the Manitoba outbreak strain. Expanded eligibility therefore focuses on people with specific travel, household, work, or service-related connections to affected communities and settings. This targeted approach is intended to reduce the risk of cases being brought into Ontario and prevent further transmission.

Ordering Process

Publicly funded hepatitis A vaccine is available through:

• The WECHU’s secure online Vaccine Ordering System (VOS) for providers already onboarded.
• The updated High Risk Hepatitis Vaccine Order Form for providers not yet onboarded to VOS.

Order vaccine based on anticipated need, monitor inventory, and minimize wastage.

Additional Resources

• WECHU: Hepatitis A
• Public Health Ontario: Hepatitis A
• Canadian Immunization Guide: Hepatitis A Vaccines

For questions, contact the WECHU Immunization Department at vaccine@wechu.org or 519-258-2146 ext. 1121.