12 Counties Run Out of Vaccines, Ministry Rushes to Avert Crisis
At least 12 counties across Kenya have completely run out of essential vaccines, the Ministry of Health confirmed on Friday, sparking concerns over the country’s immunization efforts amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
In a statement issued by Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, the Ministry acknowledged the growing public alarm and pledged swift action to prevent any child from missing life-saving vaccinations.
“We want to assure all Kenyans that no child will miss a single dose of any vaccine,” Oluga stated, adding that the Ministry’s Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism is active and fully operational.
Critical Shortages of BCG, Polio, and Rotavirus Vaccines
The Ministry revealed that BCG (tuberculosis) and polio vaccines are in dangerously short supply, expected to last only two more weeks nationally. Meanwhile, stocks of the rotavirus vaccine are projected to deplete within a month if new supplies are not delivered in time.
The shortfall has been blamed on global vaccine supply bottlenecks, which continue to disrupt immunization programmes not just in Kenya but worldwide.
“These supply chain constraints are a global challenge, but we are working closely with county governments to redistribute what we have and prioritise the most affected areas,” read part of the Ministry’s statement.
Relief on the Way
In a bid to stabilise the situation, the Ministry announced that 3.2 million doses of polio vaccine are currently being cleared at the port and will be distributed nationwide starting June 10.
An additional 3.0 million doses of BCG vaccine are expected to arrive by June 15, with county health teams already mobilised to support swift delivery and administration.
Strategic Vaccine Reserve to Prevent Future Crises
To prevent such crises in the future, the government is setting up a Strategic Vaccine Reserve in all 47 counties. The initiative aims to provide a buffer stock of critical vaccines, ensuring continuous coverage even during supply chain interruptions.
“This reserve will be sustainably financed and efficiently managed to guard against any future disruption in vaccine availability,” Oluga noted.
Appeal for Calm
While acknowledging the anxiety sparked by the shortages, the Ministry urged the public to remain calm and supportive.
“We are deeply grateful to county governments and health facilities for their ongoing cooperation. We ask parents and guardians to remain patient as we work to restore normal vaccine supply across the country.”
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12 Counties Run Out of Vaccines, Ministry Rushes to Avert Crisis