As the world marks World Immunization Week (WIW), observed annually from April 24th to 30th, the Department of Health in Taita Taveta County has reported that 77.2% of children across the county’s four sub-counties have been immunized.
This year’s theme, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” underscores the attainability of universal vaccine coverage when communities, governments, and partners work collaboratively.
In Taita Taveta County, the health department intensified mobile outreaches in remote wards, conducted catch-up campaigns, held community dialogues, and undertook targeted vaccination for pregnant women, children, adolescents, and the elderly.
Various vaccines were administered ranging from BCG to HPV. According to the County Nursing Officer, Christine Wakesho, 77.2% of children in the county have received immunizations despite resistance from some community members due to religious beliefs.
“The pentavalent and measles-rubella vaccines given to newborns protect against five diseases: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. The HPV vaccine, administered to girls aged 10 to 14, helps prevent cervical cancer,” said Christine.
She noted that a lack of public awareness regarding the importance of the HPV vaccine has led some parents to ignore it, unaware of the risks posed by not vaccinating their children. To counter this, health workers have been visiting schools to vaccinate adolescent girls and continue to sensitize parents to treat HPV vaccination with the same seriousness as other vaccines.
Christine also mentioned that outreach efforts are carried out monthly in remote areas. While some people still resist immunization due to religious beliefs, Community Health Volunteers trained in interpersonal communication are engaging with families to dispel myths and encourage participation in vaccination sessions.
Voi Sub-County Public Health Officer Rose Mwangemi emphasized the importance of parents or guardians taking their children to the nearest health facility for immunization.
“The BCG vaccine is administered once at birth. The oral polio vaccine (OPV), which protects against types 1 and 3, is given at birth, and then at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which protects against type 2, is administered on the thigh at 14 weeks,” said Rose.
Health experts warn that polio can cause lifelong disability if children under five are not vaccinated. Healthcare workers in Taita Taveta continue to bridge immunization gaps by following up with parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and their records documented.
