What you need to know about the 10-day vaccination drive in Nakuru

Nakuru County has initiated a massive 10-day vaccination campaign targeting over 1.3 million children aged between 9 months and 14 years.

The campaign, which kicked off on July 5, aims to curb the rising cases of preventable diseases like Measles Rubella, and Typhoid that have recently spiked in several parts of the county.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu in a phone call interview, acting County Director of Public Health, Gerald Maina, said the campaign is a response to outbreaks reported earlier this year in sub-counties such as Naivasha, Gilgil, Nakuru East, Nakuru West, and Njoro, areas now seen as part of a “transmission belt.”

He notes vaccination efforts are critical in protecting vulnerable children, especially since COVID-19 had disrupted regular immunization schedules, leaving many children unvaccinated and unprotected.

According to Maina, children aged 9 months to 5 years will receive both the Measles-Rubella and the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), while those between 5 and 14 years will receive the typhoid vaccine only. 

‎“The Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine gives protection for up to four years assuring children safety from the disease. Nonetheless we emphasize hygiene, safe drinking water and proper sanitation must go hand in hand with immunization,” he adds to hit the Zero infection rate for children within Nakuru county.

He notes to achieve maximum reach, the county has adopted a three-strategy including; Static Health Facilities where all public health centres across the county are administering vaccines daily throughout the 10-day period.

‎Secondly, Mobile Teams comprising health workers will be moving from one location to another, including markets and churches, to vaccinate children in areas far from health centres.

Lastly, temporary Outreach Post where a set up can be made in areas like schools, church and busy public areas where teams stay for a few hours before moving to the next site.

According to county health records seen by Mtaa Wangu, each of the 11 sub-counties has been given specific vaccination targets, proportional to their child population. 

The director notes that while the campaign has been well-received in most areas, he acknowledges some foreseen challenges of minor resistance from a few parents.

Nonetheless, he says that the county is taking a diplomatic approach, using health officers and chiefs to raise awareness and educate parents about the benefits of immunization.

Speaking on the possible side effects Maina says‎, the vaccines being used are routine immunizations already familiar to the health system.

While side effects are rare, mild reactions such as fever or measles-like rash may occur. He says in such cases, parents are advised to visit the nearest health facility for free follow-up care.

 “We’ve activated surveillance teams, and all facilities are ready to offer immediate support in case of any reaction,” Maina assures parents, encouraging them to embrace the uptake of these vaccines while the campaign is on.

“This campaign is about more than just vaccines. It’s about closing the health gaps left by the pandemic, stopping future outbreaks, and securing a healthier future for Nakuru’s children," Maina concludes.