The Ministry of Health has revealed that 3,712,323 children under the age of 10 years were vaccinated in coordinated government efforts against the polio virus in just five days.
In a statement on Friday, October 18, 2024, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said the vaccinations were concurrently done on the Ugandan side of the Kenyan border.
“The Ministry of Health successfully conducted a polio vaccination campaign from 2nd to 6th October 2024, targeting nine counties following the confirmation of the polioviruses in Turkana, Nairobi Counties and the Mbale region in Uganda that borders Kenya. The counties included in the campaign were Busia, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado. During this period, a total of 3,712,323 children under the age of ten were vaccinated, Barasa said.
She noted that polio was a disabling disease which demanded concerted efforts to be kicked out of the country.
Poliovirus vaccinations
She added that vaccination is the only panacea for the crippling virus noting that the country provides polio vaccinations routinely to all children at various intervals including at birth, at 6 weeks, at 10 weeks and 14 weeks.
Addressing concerns that the vaccine could be having side effects, Barasa observed that mild symptoms associated with vaccinations were common but parents and guardians can seek specialised care in the isolated cases of severe effects.
“All vaccines offered by the Ministry of Health are tested, safe, effective and approved by the World Health Organization. Additionally, the vaccines are administered by trained Health Care 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 noted.
Report side effects
Adding: “During the recent Polio campaign, the Ministry of Health has received few reports indicating side effects in some children. Common side effects may include rash, fever, irritability, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhoea, headaches, or muscle pain. The Ministry would like to reassure parents and caregivers that, while these mild reactions can occur, the polio vaccine is generally safe and effective.”
Barasa said the second round of the vaccination against poliovirus would be carried out between November 9-13, 2024, urging parents and guardians of children under the age of 10 to bring the kids for vaccination.
“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 or report through USSD *271#. We also wish to assure parents and caregivers who have reported side effects that these reports are being thoroughly investigated by a team of experts,” Barasa assured.
