The Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of two children following adverse effects after receiving the polio vaccination back in October 2024.
Through a report signed by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Ministry conducted investigations in nine high risk areas of Nairobi, Busia, Bungoma, Turkana, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado.
This investigation follows a total of 23 reports issued by parents and caregivers of the children who received the jab during the campaign period.
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Out of the 23 cases, 16 of them reported symptoms such as mild rashes, fever, conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea which have been described normal.
However seven of them reported severe symptoms which are convulsions, severe fever, weakness in the lower limbs, to herpes zoster. Unfortunately two of them succumbed to the symptoms
“Seven (7) of the reported cases were serious presenting with generalized red and sometimes itchy bumps in the skin and fever, weakness of the lower limbs, convulsions, diarrhoea and vomiting and herpes zoster. An analysis of the serious and non-serious events showed that 16 of the reported cases had resolved while five (5) are in the process of resolving. Two (2) of the reported cases unfortunately resulted in death,” read the report
The report comes barely a month after a section of Kenyans called on parents to avoid the vaccine citing health risk and alleged cases of severe reactions reported in some areas.
The Ministry of Health downplayed the allegations insisting that the jab was okay and tested for use.
“We reiterate that there is no harm of a child getting a repeat dose of the Polio vaccine during the national vaccination campaigns,” said the Ministry
