Official blames slow uptake of measles jab to misinformation
Resistance driven by residents as a result of misconceptions about vaccines is the main challenge facing the administration of measles and rubella vaccination campaign in Kajiado county.
According to County Health executive Esther Somoire, the success of the exercise which kicked off on Friday will largely depend on administration officers and Community Health Volunteers (CHVS), who are tasked with creating awareness on the importance of the vaccine.
Speaking during the launch of the national campaign, Somoire said so far 125 children have been infected with measles and one fatality reported in the last three weeks.
“With Covid-19 pandemic here with us, there are misconceptions by some parents who think the measles and rubella vaccine is a vaccination against Covid 19.
I want to reassure parents that the vaccine is safe and there is no need to fear whatsoever.
It is worrying that some parents are against the exercise meant to safeguard children’s health.
We are closely working with elders, CHVS and administration officers to ensure our children are vaccinated,” she said.
The launch ceremony was graced by Health CAS Dr Mercy Mwangangi and Health Director General Patrick Amoth who reassured residents the vaccine is safe and the decision was informed by detection of infections in counties earmarked.
Counties scheduled to undertake the vaccination drive include Kajiado, Narok, Kilifi, Tana River, Kwale, Vihiga, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Tranzoia, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nairobi, Kakamega, Bomet, Tana River, Elgeyo Marakwet and Busia counties.
