Ministry of Health Takes Swift Action to Alleviate Vaccine Shortages in Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya - 5th June 2024 -  Responding to recent concerns over vaccine shortages, the Ministry of Health has acted swiftly to secure critical childhood vaccines in Kenya. 

 With an allocation of Kshs 1.25 billion, the Ministry has procured Measles Rubella, Oral Polio, Tetanus-Diphtheria, and BCG vaccines, effectively addressing previously reported critically low levels. 

 Principal Secretary for the State Department of Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, affirmed this in a press statement today. 

 The received doses include: 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: 𝟏,𝟐𝟎𝟗,𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬; 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 (𝐛𝐎𝐏𝐕); 𝟑,𝟎𝟑𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬; 𝐓𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐬-𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: 𝟏,𝟎𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬; and 𝐁𝐂𝐆 𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: 𝟑,𝟏𝟐𝟗,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬. 

Efforts are underway to rapidly distribute these vaccines to nine regional vaccine stores across the country, facilitated by additional refrigerated trucks. 

 Mr. Kimtai assured that these life-saving vaccines will reach health facilities and communities by the second week of June 2024. 

 He urged Healthcare workers to collaborate with community health teams to ensure that children who missed vaccinations catch up on their immunization schedules. 

“Caregivers are also encouraged to bring their children to health facilities for immunization as vaccine supplies have normalized,” Kimtai advised. 

 The Ministry expresses gratitude to Gavi for its support over the years and is committed to a smooth transition as Kenya works towards full self-financing by 2030. 

 To ensure stable vaccine supplies, the Ministry is exploring innovative financing options and engaging the National Treasury for increased resource allocation to the immunization program.