Gov't gives assurance of polio vaccine safety amid parents' concerns
Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth gives a media briefing on safety of polio vaccines. Photo/Videograb
The government has assured parents and caregivers of the safety and effectiveness of the ongoing polio vaccination campaign, following concerns raised about side effects.
The campaign, aimed at eradicating polio, targets all children under the age of five(5) years to prevent the highly contagious disease, which can cause paralysis or even death.
In a press statement, the Director General for Health in the Ministry of Health Dr Patrick Amoth, addressed concerns following reports of mild side effects during the recent campaign from October 2 to October 6, 2024.
The Kenya National Vaccine Safety Advisory Committee (KNVSAC) investigated these cases and found the reactions to be coincidental, not caused by the vaccine.
“Health events that sometimes occur around the time of vaccination often happen by chance," said Dr Amoth.
Polio is a preventable, but incurable disease that has affected many parts of the world.
In Kenya, children under five(5) are routinely vaccinated as per the immunisation schedule at birth, 6, 10, and 14 weeks.
If an outbreak occurs, the polio vaccine is provided regardless of previous vaccinations.
The Ministry emphasized that vaccines are safe, designed to stimulate the immune system to fight infectious diseases.
While a small percentage of children might experience minor reactions, the overall benefit far outweighs the risks, it said.
With a second round of the vaccination campaign scheduled from November 9 to November 13, 2024, the Ministry is urging parents to participate fully.
“Our goal is to eradicate polio,” Dr Amoth stated.
