Infant immunization drops amid Covid-19

Immunization of children in the country has recorded a decline of 2.3 per cent in comparison to last year August.

According to Health CAS, Mercy Mwangangi Covid-19 has affected the immunization process with many people shying away from health facilities.

“In the age of Covid-19 we do note a decline in absolute number of children who were vaccinated and this has been observed due to disruption brought about by coronavirus, “said the CAS.

“Last year we had vaccinated about 640,000 children at this time, this year we shaved off about 20,000 coming to 600,025 children vaccinated this year. We have also noticed a dip when it comes to HPV vaccine in 10 year olds which stands at an average of 46 per cent, “she added.

In April, the World Health Organization had warned that about 117 million children globally could miss out on the measles vaccine due to measures put up to combat the spread of Covid-19.

The status brief on HPV vaccine in Kenya presented by acting Health Services Director-General Patrick Amoth in July, indicated that more than half of the intended recipients of the vaccine missed out on the first phase.

“Of the 800,000 girls targeted to be vaccinated within one year of introduction, 359,000 have so far been reached,” said the DG.

Last year the country recorded a national average of 83 per cent in immunization however, covid-19 remains an underlying threat.

“Through the implementation of the national immunization programme and with a collaborative investment of development partners, Kenya has made substantial gains. When it comes to childhood and maternal diseases, most particularly maternal and neonatal tetanus disease, as well polio virus has been eradicated in Kenya,” Stated Mwang’angi.

“We remind Kenyans that immunization services are ongoing and are available across all our healthcare services including the immunization schedules. Ensure that your children receive two doses of the measles vaccine,” added Mercy Mwangangi