Kenya Intensifies National Immunization Drive: Health Officials Assure Safety of Vaccines

Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: Kenya’s Health Director-General, Dr. Patrick Amoth, has reassured the public about the safety and effectiveness of all vaccines administered in the country, emphasizing that each vaccine undergoes a comprehensive evaluation and approval process before being included in the national immunization schedule.

Dr. Amoth urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated, particularly against diseases like Measles-Rubella and Typhoid, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all Kenyans, especially children.

“All vaccines, including the Measles-Rubella and the newly introduced Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), have passed stringent regulatory processes,” said Dr. Amoth. “Before any vaccine is introduced into the national schedule, it goes through two independent layers of oversight.”

He explained that the Kenya National Technical Immunization Advisory Group (KENITAG) is the first body to review available global data on safety, efficacy, and best practices. Only after a thorough vetting process and confirmation of compliance with international standards is a vaccine approved for use.

Dr. Amoth emphasized that the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine has successfully completed this evaluation, reassuring the public of its safety. He encouraged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive both the Typhoid and Measles-Rubella vaccines.

The Ministry of Health is currently intensifying routine and campaign-based immunization activities across various counties, with a focus on children under the age of 15, who are most vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.

“Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in public health. They prevent disease outbreaks, save lives, and reduce long-term healthcare costs. Let us not allow misinformation or fear to undermine these lifesaving efforts,” Dr. Amoth stressed.

Meanwhile, Medical Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Ouma Oluga, announced the formation of an inter-ministerial committee involving the Ministries of Health, Interior, and Education to ensure the immunization campaign reaches all schools across the country.

“We are working hand-in-hand with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), including chiefs and assistant chiefs, to identify and reach children who have never received a single vaccine,” Dr. Oluga stated.

He added that the joint initiative, led alongside Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, aims to vaccinate all 20 million targeted children with the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine and the seven million children scheduled for the Measles-Rubella vaccination.

“Our teams will be active for the next two weeks, from today until July 14, to ensure this vital public health campaign reaches every eligible child across Kenya,” Dr. Oluga concluded.