Kenya launches 100-day routine immunization campaign targeting children

Ministry of Health has launched a 100-day routine immunization campaign targeting children below five years and HPV for girls between 10 and 14 years.

Speaking on Tuesday during the launch, Health Acting Director General Patrick Amoth said that the ministry has availed vaccines in all immunisation centres countrywide and urged parents to take their children for the jabs.

“Any child under the age of 18 to 59 months who has not received the two doses of measles-rubella should be presented to the nearest immunisation centre for the vaccine,” Amoth added.

Amoth further said there exist disparities in vaccine administration in counties, with some administering as low as 60 per cent.

“The gap in vaccination means there are children who do not have immunity against these vaccine-preventable diseases.

“It is estimated that every year, there are at least 300, 000 infants who miss critical vaccines,” Amoth added.