The Senate has launched an inquiry into the safety and efficacy of the polio vaccine given to children during a recent vaccination campaign, following public concern about alleged adverse side effects.
The Senate Health Committee plans to summon officials from the Ministry of Health to discuss the vaccine’s safety. “We request detailed information on any adverse effects of the recently administered polio vaccines,” said nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri as she called for the investigation.
The Ministry of Health administered the vaccine last month in response to an outbreak of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) in Kenya, with at least five cases reported this year—four from Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana and one in Kamukunji, Nairobi.
However, parents quickly raised concerns about serious side effects observed in their children post-vaccination, including convulsions, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Many took to social media to voice their worries, noting that these symptoms began shortly after vaccination.
The Ministry of Health has denied any link between the vaccine and the reported symptoms. Dr. Jackson Kioko, the Director of Medical Services, suggested that the symptoms are likely indicative of seasonal flu rather than vaccine-related issues. “Kenya typically sees an increase in flu cases twice a year, with the second peak occurring from July to October,” the ministry stated, attributing the rise in high-grade fever cases to this seasonal pattern.
This assertion comes just a week after the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the oral polio vaccine (OPV) used for disease prevention has been connected to recent outbreaks in several countries, including Kenya.
In her petition, Okenyuri seeks clarity on the Ministry’s strategies for addressing the side effects. The committee, chaired by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, will evaluate how the Ministry identifies and quantifies safety risks associated with the vaccine against its potential benefits. “We require a detailed report on the current status of the polio vaccination campaign, including the number of children vaccinated in each county and details of the vaccines administered,” she stated.
Additionally, the panel will review measures the government is taking to prevent the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases amid increasing vaccine hesitancy. Okenyuri also requests information on existing donor financing arrangements between the Ministry and development partners regarding vaccine provision and essential supplies.
Last month’s polio vaccination campaign aimed to reach 3.8 million children under five across nine high-risk counties: Nairobi, Busia, Bungoma, Turkana, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado. Public Health PS Mary Muthoni reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating polio.
