Free Vaccines Available Nationwide: Ministry of Health Urges Parents to Immunise Children

(Photo Courtesy: Aden Duale) 

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that vaccines are now available in all hospitals across Kenya, and parents have been urged to take their children for immunisation without delay.

Speaking on Sunday, Dr Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, assured the public that no child should miss a vaccine due to accessibility or financial constraints. 

“Saa hii tuna chanjo. Wakenya wote wachukue watoto wao hospitalini—iwe ya umma, binafsi au ya imani. Hakuna hospitali isiyo na chanjo. Pelekeni watoto wachanjwe. Hakuna hospitali inapaswa kutoza. Chanjo ni bure,” Dr Oluga stated.

The statement comes after the government received fresh supplies of childhood vaccines, including the BCG vaccine, with the Ministry confirming that over 3 million doses have already been distributed to health facilities countrywide. 

Dr Oluga supervised the offloading of the consignment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, together with representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

Kenyans have been assured that both government and private hospitals, as well as mission-based health centres, have been stocked with essential vaccines such as BCG, polio, rotavirus, and measles. 

All services are being offered free of charge, and any facility found demanding payment for immunisation will face disciplinary action.

The Ministry is working closely with county governments to ensure that outreach programmes, vaccine storage, and healthcare worker support are sustained to avoid future shortages. The government has also confirmed that one month’s supply of the rotavirus vaccine is currently available, with plans underway to replenish the stock continuously.

Parents have been encouraged to report any cases where health facilities demand payment for vaccination. The Ministry reaffirmed that all immunisation services are funded through partnerships with Gavi and the National Treasury, making them free to every Kenyan child.

Dr Oluga urged citizens to act immediately and prioritise the health of children by visiting the nearest health facility for routine vaccinations.

SOURCE