Nyamira: Nyamira County is targeting to vaccinate over 300,000 children between nine and fourteen months in the ongoing 10-day national vaccination campaign that started on Saturday, July 5, against measles, measles-rubella, and typhoid. Nyamira County health services Director, John Kimani, stated that the county aims to vaccinate 65,818 children between 9 to 59 months against measles and measles-rubella, and another 239,008 children between 9 months to 14 years against typhoid.
According to Kenya News Agency, the health department has established vaccination centers in all public health facilities in the county, as well as in schools, markets, and worshipping places, to ensure comprehensive coverage. The county aims to achieve a 95% vaccination rate among the targeted children. Kimani assured that healthcare workers are well-trained and supervised, encouraging parents to bring their children for vaccination without concern.
Dr. Irene Kerubo, overseeing the vaccination campaign, highlighted the importance of disease prevention, noting that it is safer and more cost-effective than treatment. She emphasized that vaccination contributes to a robust economy by allowing parents to focus on productive work when their children are healthy. Dr. Kerubo urged parents to take advantage of this free opportunity to protect their children against these three serious diseases.
The vaccines are administered via injection, with measles and typhoid vaccines injected into the upper arms and the measles-rubella vaccine administered in the thigh. While some minor side effects like pain or mild headaches may occur, they typically subside quickly. The health services Director reiterated their commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to invest in the health and prosperity of children's futures.