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Dr. Moses Mwangi, trained in pharmacy, with over 30 years of experience in the vaccine industry. For 16 years, I led the world’s then-largest multinational vaccine company, overseeing operations in about nine Eastern African countries. I had the privilege of coordinating the research and commercialization of many vaccines currently used in both public and private sectors in Kenya and the region.
Vaccines save lives and are the most significant invention impacting public health globally in the last 100 years. When a vaccine exists for any disease of public health importance, using it widely is a game-changer. This was evident when the world rapidly developed and deployed COVID-19 vaccines, which were crucial in managing the pandemic.
For children’s vaccination, there’s a well-coordinated global effort to ensure no country is left behind, including the least developed. Diseases do not respect borders and can spread quickly across the globe. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI), established in 2000, is dedicated to ensuring every child has access to essential vaccines, regardless of their status.
Here in Kenya, after welcoming a newborn, there are specific vaccines that they must receive at birth, at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 6 months, and 9 months. Parents who can afford private healthcare also benefit from additional important vaccines up to 2 years and beyond.
The Division of Vaccines and Immunisation (DVI) of the Ministry of Health oversees the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (KEPI) across the country. This is a critical health program that should not be devolved. Vaccines for our children are too important to be placed in many hands, some of which could be unreliable. KEPI is one of the most successful programs in the Ministry of Health and should receive first priority in resource allocation.
Key Vaccines and Their Importance:
- At Birth: BCG (prevents severe forms of tuberculosis like Milliary TB and TB meningitis), Oral Polio Vaccine, and where possible, Hepatitis B vaccine.
- At 6, 10, and 14 Weeks: Additional doses of polio, Pentavalent vaccine (prevents Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus Influenzae type b), Pneumococcal vaccine (10 valents), and Rotavirus vaccine (prevents diarrhoea).
- At 6 Months: Vitamin A drops.
- At 9 Months: Measles and yellow fever vaccines, with a second dose of measles vaccine preferably at 15 months.
Except for a few oral vaccines (Oral Polio Vaccine and Rotavirus vaccine), most vaccines are administered intramuscularly into the child’s thigh, with BCG given subcutaneously on the arm.
Kenya has made significant progress in reducing infant mortality, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure vaccines are available, accessible, and administered timely to save lives. Most vaccines are best given in the first year of life, and some, like Rotavirus, cannot be given beyond one year due to the risk of severe side effects. Haemophilus Influenzae type b vaccine is only effective in children under five.
While some vaccines like pneumococcal, measles, and tetanus can be administered later if missed, the value of childhood vaccines is most realized when given at the appropriate age. Delaying vaccination due to shortages or poor planning exposes children to unnecessary risks. The Division of Vaccine and Immunisation (DVI), the Ministry of Health, and the National Treasury must collaborate effectively to ensure children receive their vaccines on time. Vaccine manufacturing and supply require long-term planning and cold chain logistics due to the limited number of manufacturers globally
