Busia: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Health, Busia County, is set to immunize 495,805 children during an upcoming mass vaccination campaign focused on measles rubella and typhoid conjugal. The campaign is scheduled to run from July 5th to 14th this year.

According to Kenya News Agency, the County Health Promotion Officer, Nelson Andanje, announced during a stakeholder sensitization forum at Busia County Referral Hospital that the measles-rubella vaccine will be administered to 114,758 children aged between nine months and 59 months. Meanwhile, the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) will target 381,042 children aged between nine months and 14 years.

The vaccination efforts will be conducted across various locations, including all public and private health facilities, churches, mosques, and markets. Additionally, mobile stations will be set up to reach more children. Andanje mentioned that the initiative was prompted by reports of sporadic episodes of these diseases across the country. He emphasized that the vaccines will be administered to all targeted children, regardless of their previous adherence to the immunization schedule.

The official also called on stakeholders to help raise awareness within the local community about the importance and safety of the vaccines. Busia County Immunization Coordinator, Juliet Kilima, highlighted the need to report any severe side effects to nearby health facilities. She raised concerns about young mothers leaving their children with elderly caregivers, who may neglect to take them for immunization.

Kilima urged schools to involve the health department during the enrollment of early childhood learners to verify their vaccination status. She assured that routine vaccination of children would continue in public health facilities after the 10-day mass vaccination campaign concludes.

On a national level, the government aims to vaccinate 95% of children aged between nine months and 59 months for Measles Rubella, totaling 7.5 million children. For TCV, the target is 80%, covering 19.2 million children aged between nine months and 14 years. Busia County Health Promotion Officer Nelson Andanje is actively engaging stakeholders to prepare for the mass vaccination effort aimed at protecting 495,805 children in the region.