The Ministry of Health has urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children receive the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) and the Measles-Rubella vaccine before the ten-day vaccination campaign comes to an end.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 2, the Ministry confirmed that the immunization drive is scheduled to take place from Saturday, July 5 to Monday, July 14, 2025.
The Measles-Rubella vaccine is being administered to children between 9 months and 59 months (about 5 years), while the TCV is being given to all children aged 9 months up to 14 years.
In a statement on Saturday, June 12, the Health Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, said that all parents and caregivers should visit any public health facilities and outreach sites such as schools, churches, mosques, and markets to access the vaccines free of charge.
So far, according to the CS, 3.5 million children have received the MR vaccines, while 12.1 million children have received the TVC vaccines. Duale has encouraged health workers, religious leaders, and community mobilisers to intensify mobilization efforts to ensure that each child is vaccinated.
"So far, 3.5 million children have received the MR vaccine out of a target of 6.5 million, while 12.1 million have received the TCV vaccine out of 19.2 million targeted. Notably, over 4,000 zero-dose children who those never previously been vaccinated have now received both MR and TCV vaccines, strengthening population immunity," Duale stated.
"With 3 days left in the main campaign and 2 mop-up days, the Ministry urges all caregivers to act now. Vaccination is safe, effective, and lifesaving. Both MR and TCV vaccines are WHO-approved, having passed rigorous international and local safety reviews. They are already protecting millions of children globally," he added.
According to the CS, Kenya is currently grappling with a concerning rise in cases of antimicrobial-resistant typhoid and measles, with children under the age of 15 bearing the brunt.
The health boss asserted that the vaccination will be fundamental in shielding children from the highly preventable diseases.
Furthermore, the ministry has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and ensure that they seek accurate information about vaccination from trusted sources such as the ministry, health professionals, and accredited partners, to avert misinformation related to the vaccination campaign.
"From urban centres to remote areas, parents and caregivers have demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting children from these preventable but potentially deadly diseases," Duale stated.
"The Ministry of Health reaffirms the Government's commitment to ensuring no child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease. We continue to deliver accessible, quality immunisation services nationwide," he added.
