A looming vaccine shortage has sparked concern across the country as the Ministry of Health confirms that 12 out of Kenya’s 47 counties have completely run out of critical vaccines — but officials insist a national catch-up strategy is in motion to prevent children from missing life-saving doses.

In a press statement released Friday, June 6, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, revealed that the country’s vaccine stocks for BCG (Tuberculosis) and Polio are down to just two weeks, while Rotavirus vaccine supplies may only last a month if immediate interventions are not made.

“We acknowledge the challenges currently facing vaccine stock levels and immunization efforts across the country,” said Dr. Oluga. “However, no child will miss a single dose of any vaccine, thanks to the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism.”

The PS attributed the shortfall to global vaccine supply bottlenecks — a challenge affecting not only Kenya but several countries worldwide.

Despite the worrying statistics, the Ministry has activated an emergency redistribution plan in collaboration with County Governments to ensure vaccine access is not interrupted. Frontline health facilities are being prioritized, especially in the 12 counties hit hardest by the shortage.

RELIEF ON THE HORIZON
The Ministry is already taking bold steps to replenish vaccine stocks:

3.2 million doses of Polio vaccine are currently being cleared at the port and will be distributed nationwide by June 10th.

3.0 million doses of BCG vaccine are expected to arrive and be dispatched by June 15th.

Further, the Ministry is establishing a Strategic Vaccine Reserve in all 47 counties, which will be sustainably financed to buffer against future disruptions.

“We appreciate the ongoing cooperation of County Governments and healthcare facilities in managing this situation,” added Dr. Oluga.

ZERO-DOSE-CATCH-UP INITIATIVE
Central to the Ministry’s response is the Zero-Dose Catch-Up Mechanism, a national program under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which ensures that children who miss routine vaccinations due to shortages will be promptly reached once supplies are restored.

PUBLIC REASSURANCE
While anxiety over the stock situation grows among parents and healthcare workers, the Ministry has appealed for calm and trust in the system.

“The health and well-being of all Kenyans remains our top priority,” said Dr. Oluga. “We are doing everything in our power to stabilize the situation and restore full vaccine coverage swiftly.”