The Ministry of Health has addressed rising concerns from Kenyans regarding the recent polio vaccination campaign. Parents across the country have expressed worry over alleged adverse reactions in children, sparking fears that the vaccine may be doing more harm than good.
Social media platforms were flooded with complaints from parents claiming that their children had suffered severe side effects after receiving the polio vaccine, with some reports even suggesting cases of paralysis, extreme illness, and, in rare cases, death.
Key Highlights:
- Parental Concerns: Kenyans raise alarms over alleged side effects of the recent polio vaccine administered to children, including paralysis, illness, and rare cases of death.
- Ministry’s Response: The Ministry of Health confirms receiving unverified reports of adverse reactions and has launched an investigation to verify the claims.
- Misinformation Warning: The Ministry urges the public not to spread rumours until official information is released following the investigation.
- Public Helpline: Concerned citizens can report or enquire about polio vaccination via the Ministry’s website or toll-free number.
Investigations Launched
Responding to the allegations, the Ministry confirmed it has received reports of such adverse events and has begun an official investigation to determine the validity of these claims. “The Ministry of Health has received unverified reports regarding adverse events arising from the recent polio vaccination campaign. Investigations are ongoing, and a formal statement will be issued in due course,” the Ministry stated via its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
While acknowledging the reports, the Ministry has warned the public against spreading misinformation. “We discourage members of the public from spreading rumours and misinformation until the Ministry issues official information on this matter,” the statement read.
Public concerns over vaccine reactions
Several parents have reported that their children experienced unusually high fevers after receiving the vaccine, leading to illness. One parent even claimed that the vaccination caused the death of their child. In addition, members of the public have raised concerns about the vehicles used during the vaccine drive, noting that some health workers were using cars with hidden number plates, raising suspicions.
Reporting platform established
To address these concerns, the Ministry of Health has provided a platform where parents and members of the public can report incidents or seek information regarding the vaccine. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to visit the Ministry’s website (http://health.go.ke) or call the toll-free number 719.
Nationwide polio vaccination campaign
The vaccination drive, conducted from October 2 to 6, was initiated following a recent outbreak of circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) in the country. So far, five cases have been confirmed—four in Kakuma Refugee Camp and one in Kamukunji Sub-County, Nairobi.
To curb the outbreak, the Ministry targeted over 3.8 million children under the age of five in nine high-risk counties, including Nairobi, Busia, Bungoma, Turkana, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Kiambu, and Machakos. The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, noted the urgency of the campaign, particularly given the threat polio poses to young children.
The Ministry reassured Kenyans that the safety of children remains a top priority and that thorough investigations will be conducted into the reported adverse reactions. Polio, which mainly affects children under five, can cause permanent paralysis if left unchecked. Vaccination efforts remain the most effective measure to prevent the resurgence of this potentially devastating disease.
READ ALSO: