2 children tragically died due to reactions of polio vaccine

According to the Ministry of Health, two children have tragically died following severe reactions to the polio vaccine.

The report outlined 23 cases of adverse reactions, with 16 classified as mild and seven severe cases altogether.

Symptoms in these cases included

fever,
itchy
rashes,
abdominal pain,
diarrhea,
conjunctivitis
generalized body rashes.

However, seven cases were classified as severe, with symptoms such as fever, lower limb weakness, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, and herpes zoster.

The ministry is likely conducting an investigation to determine the specific causes of these adverse events and whether they were directly related to the vaccine or influenced by other factors.

While such severe incidents are rare, they can raise concerns about vaccine safety and implementation processes.

Health authorities typically emphasize that vaccines undergo rigorous testing and are generally safe, with benefits far outweighing risks.

Transparent communication about these incidents is critical to maintaining public trust in immunization programs.

What caused the deaths according to the government

The Ministry of Health, referencing findings from the Kenya National Vaccines Safety Advisory Committee, has sought to address concerns surrounding adverse reactions to the recent polio vaccination campaign.

Health Director-General Patrick Amoth emphasized that over 3.6 million children were successfully vaccinated, underscoring the general safety of the vaccine.

“It’s important to note that all vaccinated children are healthy, a clear indicator that vaccines are generally safe,” Dr. Amoth stated in a message shared on the ministry’s X account.

The committee determined that most reactions were coincidental rather than vaccine-related. Four cases, however, were linked to typical vaccine reactions, presenting symptoms like rash and fever.

The deaths were unrelated

Bungoma County recorded the highest number of incidents. Investigators also concluded that the two child deaths initially linked to the vaccine were unrelated, caused instead by pre-existing health conditions.

Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni reassured the public, highlighting the rarity of adverse reactions in the campaign that vaccinated millions.

“Adverse reactions are normal and anticipated globally with any vaccine or drug. This should not deter parents from immunizing their children,” she stated.

Ms. Muthoni also reminded parents of the critical role of vaccination in combating preventable diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea, which continue to claim thousands of lives annually in Kenya.

Don’t give on vaccines

Dr. Amoth echoed these sentiments, urging parents and caregivers to participate in upcoming vaccination drives, including the next polio campaign scheduled for November 9-13.

“There is no harm in a child receiving a repeat dose of the polio vaccine during these campaigns,” he assured.

Parents noticing extreme reactions are encouraged to report them to the nearest health facility or by calling the hotline *271#.