A total of 3,712,323 children under the age of 10 were vaccinated against polio in a recent campaign, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has announced.
The CS noted that Uganda also implemented a similar polio vaccination campaign within its borders.
“As the Ministry of Health plans to conduct the second round from November 9-13, 2024, we encourage parents, guardians, and family members to avail their children for vaccination as we aim to kick polio out of Kenya,” she said.
The Ministry of Health conducted a polio vaccination campaign from October 2-6, 2024, targeting nine counties following the confirmation of the polioviruses in Turkana and Nairobi counties and the Mbale region in Uganda that borders Kenya.
The campaign was conducted in Busia, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado.
In a statement to newsrooms, Barasa said 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 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.
She, however, noted that during the recent polio campaign, the ministry received few reports indicating 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 urged.
Common side effects may include rash, fever, irritability, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhoea, headaches, or muscle pain.
Barasa reassured parents and caregivers that, while these mild reactions can occur, the polio vaccine is generally safe and effective.
Polio is a disabling disease caused by the poliovirus that can lead to paralysis and, in some cases, may be life-threatening.
While there is no cure for polio, it can be effectively prevented through vaccination. Kenya provides polio vaccinations routinely to all children at various intervals, including at birth, at 6 weeks, at 10 weeks, and at 14 weeks.
Additionally, vaccination campaigns are carried out in high-risk areas once polio cases are confirmed to prevent further spread of the virus and protect children from the disease.