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.

According to Kenya News Agency, Nyamira County Health Services Director, John Kimani, stated that the county aims to vaccinate 65,818 children aged 9 to 59 months against measles and measles-rubella, and another 239,008 children aged 9 months to 14 years against typhoid. To achieve this, vaccination centers have been set up in all public health facilities, schools, markets, and worship places across the county. The county’s goal is to reach 95% of the target population.

Kimani confirmed that healthcare workers involved in the exercise have received adequate training and are under close supervision, reassuring parents about the campaign’s safety. He urged parents to ensure their children do not miss this critical health campaign, acknowledging that some may have missed previous vaccinations due to shortages or other challenges.

Dr. Irene Kerubo, overseeing the vaccination campaign, highlighted the importance of disease prevention, emphasizing that vaccination is more effective and economical than treatment. She noted that a healthy child enables parents to focus on development and productive activities, urging them to take advantage of this rare free opportunity to protect their children from these dangerous diseases.

Dr. Kerubo explained that the vaccines are administered via injection, with measles and typhoid vaccines injected into the upper left and right arms, respectively, while the measles-rubella vaccine is administered in the thigh. She assured that the vaccines do not have serious side effects, and any common reactions like pain, mild headache, or dizziness typically subside quickly.

The Health Services Director reiterated their commitment to collaborating with other stakeholders to ensure a shared investment in the health and prosperity of children’s future.