Kenya vaccinates 3.7 million children against polio in latest campaign

At least 3.7 million children in Kenya under the age of 10 have been vaccinated against polio in the most recent campaign.

Announced by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, the campaign is part of a broader effort to eliminate the disease, especially following the confirmation of poliovirus cases in Turkana and Nairobi counties, as well as the Mbale region of Uganda, which borders Kenya.

On Friday, Barasa said that Uganda also conducted a similar vaccination campaign.

"As the Ministry of Health plans to conduct the second round from November 9-13, 2024, we encourage parents, guardians, and family members to [take] their children for vaccination as we aim to kick polio out of Kenya," she stated.

The recent polio vaccination campaign took place from October 2-6, 2024, focusing on the nine counties of Busia, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado.

The Health CS pointed out that all vaccines administered by the Ministry of Health are tested, safe, effective, and approved by the World Health Organisation.

"Additionally, the vaccines are administered by trained healthcare workers, and all medical supplies and commodities, including vaccines, that are used in the country have undergone rigorous quality control testing procedures by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board," she said.

While the campaign has been largely successful, Barasa noted that there were a few reports of side effects in some children.

"In the event that a child experiences severe symptoms, we urge parents and caregivers to promptly seek medical attention at the nearest health facility, where a qualified healthcare provider will review the child," she advised.

Common side effects may include rash, fever, irritability, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhoea, headaches, or muscle pain.

However, Barasa reassured parents that, despite these mild reactions, the polio vaccine is generally safe and effective.

Polio is a debilitating disease caused by the poliovirus, which can lead to paralysis and, in severe cases, may be life-threatening.

While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is a highly effective and preventive measure. Kenya routinely provides polio vaccinations at several intervals: at birth, and at six, 10, and 14 weeks.

To further protect children from the disease, vaccination campaigns are conducted in high-risk areas whenever polio cases are confirmed.