Kenya has opened up the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine booster in the latest vaccination guidelines released on Saturday.
The updated guidelines by the Health Ministry will now see Kenyans who had been fully vaccinated receive an additional dose of either Moderna, AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccine six months after completion of the primary series.
The Ag Health DG Dr Patrick Amoth said the new directives were arrived at following advice from the Kenya National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG).
The advisory committee has also okayed the mix and matching of vaccines after the World Health Organisation last week issued interim recommendations on the same.
“The population that has been fully vaccinated should be offered an additional dose of either AZ, Moderna or Pfizer vaccines six months after the completion of the primary series. The same or different vaccine can be used for the additional dose,” Amoth said.
The guidelines have been sent to the Council of Governors and the county directors for health for implementation.
“Individuals who have received the first dose of Moderna cab receive AZ as the second, 28 days after the Mordena shot was administered,” Amoth aid.
Similarly, individuals who report serious adverse reactions after receiving a vaccine can be switched to a different type for completion of their vaccination schedule.
The DG has noted that for instance, if a serious adverse event occurs after Pfizer or Moderna administration, AZ should be provided 28 days after the initial dose.
After the serious adverse events occur after administration of the AZ vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna vaccines should be provided as the second shot eight weeks after the initial shot.
“Pregnant women should be offered Pfizer or Moderna at any gestational age, at first ANC clinic or at first contact with health services. Pregnant women who begun vaccination with other types of Covid-19 vaccines should complete vaccination using the same vaccine.”
