Newborns at risk as vaccine shortage continues

Children across 10 counties in Kenya are exposed to life-threatening diseases as Kenya continues to face acute vaccine shortage.

Among the most affected counties are Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyamira, Kilifi, Siaya, and Migori.

The grim situation exposes the lives of millions of children under five years to life-threatening condition, or even worse, death.

Among those facing higher risk are infants who could contract Tuberculosis due to shortage of BCG vaccine.

This is the vaccine given to newborns to protect them from contracting different forms of TB, including TB meningitis which is common in infants.

Measles and Rubella vaccinate are administered in two doses, the first dose at nine months and the booster at 18 months.

Dr. Priscilla Wairimu explains that vaccine plays an important role of preventing diseases hence reducing mortality rate.

“Timely vaccination ensures that the immunity is built before a child turns five years and prevents diseases before that can be fatal. If you do not get vaccinated you are at risk of getting the disease, and infect others,”

According to the doctor, the shortage might impact the gains and strides made in curbing and preventing vaccine preventable diseases back into the system.

“Although we have not eradicated it, we are doing really well with Measles control in the country and this is because of vaccination. We do not see cases of Polio today, so if we do not have these vaccines, we end up having a resurgence of these issues,” she explained.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), measles, rotavirus and DTP vaccines are out of stock in various parts of the country.

Dr. Wairimu explained that DTP vaccines are crucial and prevents Tetanus and Diphtheria, while BCG protects babies from severe tuberculosis.

“The BGC is used for prevention of pulmonary tuberculosis and protects up until the age of five years. Diphtheria affects the throat and can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and paralysis while Tetanus causes muscle stiffness and can be fatal,” she stated.

Rota virus vaccine which is also not available in various parts of the country is administered between week six and ten.

“It is used to protect against Rota virus infection, its common childhood illness and viral in nature. Rota virus causes severe diarrhea among children below five,” she explained.

Measles and Rubella vaccinate are administered in two doses, the first dose at nine months and the booster at 18 months.

“This vaccine helps protects against measles and rubella causes respiratory infections, diarrhoea, eye infections and in severe cases death,” she said.