The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Ministry of Health has reassured the public that recent side effects linked to the polio vaccine are purely coincidental and not caused by the vaccine itself.
Health Director General Patrick Amoth emphasized that all vaccines, including the polio vaccine, are safe and effective in protecting children.
“Following the recent polio vaccination campaign, the Ministry of Health would like to clarify some misinformation that has circulated. All vaccines administered by the Ministry, including the polio vaccine, are safe and effective in protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases,” Amoth said.
The Ministry further explained that vaccines are designed to trigger an immune response in the body against infectious diseases, which can occasionally lead to minor risks for a small number of children.
This clarification comes after parents expressed concerns about the safety of the polio vaccine following the recent vaccination campaign.
An investigation by the Kenya National Vaccine Safety Advisory Committee (KNVSAC) found that the reported reactions were coincidental and resolved over time.
“Concerns raised by parents regarding the recent polio campaign, held from October 2nd to 6th, 2024, were investigated by the Kenya National Vaccine Safety Advisory Committee. Often, health events occur around the time of vaccination by chance and are not linked to the vaccine itself,” Amoth explained.
The Ministry of Health urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to continue bringing their children for routine immunizations as per the recommended schedule and to ensure their children participate in the upcoming second round of the polio vaccination campaign, scheduled from November 9th to 13th, 2024.
Polio is a highly contagious and disabling viral disease that can cause paralysis and even death in unvaccinated children. It can be prevented through the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV).
The Health Ministry reminded the public that all children under the age of 5 should be up to date with their vaccinations, receiving the polio vaccine at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks as part of the routine immunization schedule. In the event of an outbreak, all children aged 0-59 months will receive the polio vaccine, regardless of their previous vaccination status.
