The Ministry of Health (MOH) has initiated investigations into reports of unconfirmed adverse reactions associated with the recent polio vaccination campaign, which took place nationwide from October 2 to October 6, 2024.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 10, the ministry acknowledged receiving reports of adverse reactions but clarified that the information is still unverified.
“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. We discourage members of the public from spreading rumours and misinformation until the Ministry issues official information on this matter,” the statement read.
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. We discourage members of the public from spreading rumors and…
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) October 10, 2024
Polio cases
The polio vaccination campaign was part of a larger effort to curb the spread of the disease after four polio cases were reported in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kamukunji, Nairobi County. The Ministry had mobilized health workers to ensure the vaccination of children under five years old, a group considered most vulnerable to the highly contagious virus.
In a statement shared on Monday, September 30, 2024, the Ministry of Health emphasized the need for swift intervention to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, who are most at risk of contracting the highly contagious disease.
“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Council of Governors and development partners, will conduct a polio vaccination campaign in nine risk counties from 2-6 October 2024 following the detection of four cases in Kakuma Refugee Camp and an event in Kamukunji, Nairobi,” MOH stated.