Polio Vaccine is Safe, Ministry of Health Reassures Ahead of Another Drive

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Kenya is once again embarking on a national effort to protect children from the crippling and potentially fatal disease of poliomyelitis, commonly known as polio. With the second phase of an oral polio vaccination campaign scheduled for November 9 to 13, 2024, the Ministry has reassured the public that the vaccine is both safe and effective, despite concerns raised by some parents during the previous campaign. These efforts are critical in the battle to eradicate polio from Kenya, especially given the recent detection of poliovirus in some parts of the country.

Addressing Concerns: Side Effects of the Polio Vaccine

In a recent statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa sought to calm the fears of parents and caregivers who had reported adverse reactions following the just-concluded vaccination campaign. The reports included common side effects such as rash, fever, irritability, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, and muscle pain, which are known to occur with many vaccines.

“During the recent polio campaign, the Ministry of Health received few reports indicating side effects in some children. Common side effects may include rash, fever, irritability, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, or muscle pain. The Ministry would like to reassure parents and caregivers that, while these mild reactions can occur, the polio vaccine is generally safe and effective,” Barasa explained.

She emphasized that while any side effects are being carefully investigated by a team of health experts, these reactions are typically mild and transient. The Ministry follows strict guidelines under the national framework for monitoring, reporting, and managing Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI). Barasa reiterated that the polio vaccine has been proven to be effective in preventing a disease that can lead to paralysis and even death.

The Just-Concluded Campaign: A Key Milestone

Earlier this month, the Ministry successfully conducted a polio vaccination campaign targeting over 3.7 million children under the age of 10 in nine counties. These regions were selected based on the confirmation of poliovirus cases in Turkana and Nairobi counties, as well as in Uganda’s Mbale region, which borders Kenya. The campaign covered Busia, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado counties, all of which were considered high-risk areas due to the confirmed presence of the virus.

The large-scale effort aimed at providing protection to as many children as possible is a crucial part of the ongoing strategy to keep polio at bay. The vaccination drive is particularly vital in regions where polio has been detected, as it helps prevent the spread of the virus to neighboring areas and countries.

The Second Phase: November 9-13, 2024

The upcoming second phase of the campaign, set to run from November 9 to 13, will focus on ensuring that children who were not vaccinated during the initial round receive the oral polio vaccine. The Ministry of Health is urging all parents and caregivers to bring their children forward for vaccination, stressing that the campaign is part of a broader mission to eradicate polio from Kenya and prevent its resurgence.

“We also wish to assure parents and caregivers who have reported side effects that these reports are being thoroughly investigated by a team of experts in accordance with the national Guidelines for Monitoring, Reporting, and Managing Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI),” said Barasa, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the vaccine.

The importance of the vaccination drive cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of polio, a disease that has no cure but can be prevented through immunization. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is the most effective tool in protecting children against poliovirus, and the Ministry is relying on strong public participation to ensure the success of the campaign.

Reporting Adverse Reactions: A New USSD Code for Parents

To further support the campaign and address concerns about possible adverse reactions, the Ministry of Health has introduced a new USSD code, *271#, that parents and caregivers can use to report any severe symptoms their children may experience following vaccination.

“In the event that a child experiences severe symptoms, we urge parents and caregivers to promptly seek medical attention at the nearest health facility, where a qualified healthcare provider will review the child or report through USSD *271#,” Barasa advised. The availability of this reporting mechanism will enhance the Ministry’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to any serious cases, providing reassurance to the public.

Additionally, parents and guardians are encouraged to visit their nearest health facility if their child experiences any side effects, even mild ones, to ensure proper management and documentation of the symptoms. The Ministry’s proactiveness in providing these avenues for reporting side effects shows its commitment to both transparency and the safety of the Kenyan population.

Understanding Polio: A Persistent Threat

Polio is a disabling disease caused by the poliovirus, which primarily affects children under the age of 5. The virus can spread through contaminated water and food or through contact with an infected person. In some cases, polio can lead to paralysis, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening if it affects the muscles used for breathing.

While there is no cure for polio, it can be effectively prevented through vaccination. Kenya has a long-standing commitment to polio eradication and has made significant progress in the fight against the disease. Routine polio vaccination is provided to all children at various intervals: at birth, at six weeks, at 10 weeks, and again at 14 weeks. These vaccinations are supplemented by targeted campaigns, like the one currently underway, which aim to boost immunity in areas where the risk of polio transmission is high.

The Global Fight Against Polio

Kenya’s efforts to eliminate polio are part of a broader global initiative led by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). These organizations have been working together to rid the world of polio through vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and public health education. The disease, which once affected millions of children worldwide, has now been reduced to a few isolated areas, thanks to decades of concerted effort.

However, poliovirus remains a threat in certain parts of the world, including regions with low immunization coverage. This underscores the importance of continued vigilance and robust vaccination efforts. Kenya’s polio vaccination campaigns are crucial in ensuring that the virus does not regain a foothold in the country, particularly given its proximity to Uganda, which has also reported recent cases of the disease.

Conclusion: Vaccination is Key

The Ministry of Health’s reassurances regarding the safety and effectiveness of the polio vaccine come at a time when public confidence in vaccines is more important than ever. As Kenya gears up for the second phase of its polio vaccination campaign in November, the message from health authorities is clear: vaccination is the key to protecting children from this dangerous disease.

While some parents may have concerns about potential side effects, the Ministry has made it clear that these reactions are usually mild and temporary. Furthermore, any severe cases are being thoroughly investigated, and parents are encouraged to report any concerns through the newly introduced USSD code or by visiting a health facility.

Polio remains a serious threat to children’s health, but with continued public participation in vaccination campaigns, Kenya is well on its way to achieving its goal of eradicating the disease for good. The upcoming phase of the campaign offers another opportunity for parents and caregivers to protect their children and contribute to a polio-free future for the nation.