Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said all vaccines administered in the country undergo a rigorous evaluation and approval process before being included in the national schedule.
Urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are immunized, Amoth pointed out that they remain committed to safeguarding the health of all Kenyans, particularly children, through the deployment of safe and effective vaccines.
“All vaccines, including the Measles-Rubella and the newly introduced Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine, have passed stringent regulatory processes,” said Amoth.
"Before any vaccine is introduced into the national immunization schedule, it goes through two independent layers of oversight.”
He explained that the first is the Kenya National Technical Immunization Advisory Group (KENITAG), which reviews available data on safety, effectiveness, and global best practices.
Only after such data meets the required standards does the vaccine receive approval.
“The TCV has undergone this thorough vetting, and we want to assure every Kenyan that the vaccine is safe. We urge all parents and guardians to bring their children forward for both the Measles-Rubella and Typhoid vaccinations,” he added.
The Ministry is currently intensifying routine and campaign immunization efforts in various counties, targeting children under the age of 15, who are most at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Amoth reiterated that vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in public health, helping prevent outbreaks, save lives, and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
“Let us not give room to fear or misinformation. Immunization is a proven lifesaver,” he said.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga announced that they have formed a committee with the Interior and Education ministries to ensure the vaccine campaign reaches all schools.
He said alongside his counterparts Raymond Omollo (Interior) and Julius Bitok (Education), they are spearheading the joint initiative targeting all school-going children and those in enclosed or underserved environments.
“We are working closely with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), including chiefs and assistant chiefs, to trace children who have never received a single vaccine,” said Oluga.
"We will facilitate this process so that within the next two weeks, from today to July 14, we can reach all our 20 million target children for the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine, and the seven million children targeted for Measles and Rubella.”
