Health System Updates — June 18, 2026
New Hepatitis A Immunization Guidance
In response to the province’s Hepatitis A outbreak, Manitoba Health has updated its immunization program to all children born on or after January 1, 2010, who are at least 6 months of age and who meet certain eligibility criteria.
As of June 4, there were 784 reported cases of hepatitis A in Manitoba. This month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 1 alert for American travelers heading to Manitoba. The notice is the lowest of the public health agency’s four-tier travel notice system about global health risks.
Read Manitoba Health’s memo to health care providers.
New Hospital Safety Measures
In an effort to increase safety measures at Manitoba hospitals, the Manitoba government has announced expanded security measures through introducing First Nations Safety Officers (FNSOs) at St. Anthony’s General Hospital in The Pas, expanding institutional safety officer (ISO) coverage overall, and developing a provincewide, zero-tolerance policy for violence and abuse in health care settings.
What do you think? Please email us at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca with your feedback.
Spring COVID Vaccine Open Until June 30
Spring COVID-19 vaccination doses aimed at providing protection to those most at risk of developing severe illness from the virus will be available until June 30.
Exception Drug Status Updates
This month’s Manitoba Drug Benefits and Manitoba Drug Interchangeability Formulary Amendments Bulletin is out.
These amendments take effect Wednesday, July 1.
More Social Workers Coming to ERs and Urgent Cares
Following feedback from physicians and Doctors Manitoba, the Manitoba government is expanding social work services in emergency departments and urgent care centres, including new positions at St. Boniface Hospital, Seven Oaks General Hospital, Concordia Hospital and Victoria Hospital.
📺 As we told CTV News, Doctors Manitoba welcomes this news, as physicians have called for more expertise and resources to assist with the complex social challenges that some patients have when accessing care.
New Transitional Housing Units for Women and Children Escaping Gender-Based Violence
Women and children escaping gender-based violence now have access to 26 new supported transitional housing units with the opening of two new housing developments in downtown Winnipeg.
Audiology Services for Youth
Early hearing health lays down the foundation for speech, language and learning development.
Audiology Services through the WRHA and Shared Health are covered under Manitoba Health and are free of charge for children under 18 years old (or until 21 if attending high school).
- Clinics are in various parts of the city for ease of accessibility for families. Hearing tests are child-friendly and conducted by licensed audiologists.
- Infants born in Manitoba have their hearing screened at birth. However, hearing can change.
- Should hearing and/or speech concerns arise a referral can be made to the Children’s Therapy Network of Manitoba (CTNM)- Central Intake for Audiology at telephone number 204-. 258‑6550 and fax number 204−258−6799.
Call for Physician Examiner
The University of Manitoba’s Clinicians Assessment Program is looking to recruit eligible Physician Examiners for National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Examination on the following days:
- Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Sunday, September 20, 2026
Physician Examiners will be remunerated for their assistance with the assessment.