Health & Science

By Esther Nyambura | 9 hours ago

Two children have died due to reactions to the recent polio vaccine, Health Director General Patrick Amoth has confirmed.

In a statement, Amoth noted that the two were among the 23 reported cases of reactions to the vaccine.

According to the DG, of the 23 cases, 16 were mild, while seven were severe, with five of these cases still under observation.

"Out of the 23 reported and investigated cases, 16 were non-serious, ranging from generalized itchy rash, fever, conjunctivitis, body rashes, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, among others," said Amoth.

"Seven of the reported cases were serious, presenting with generalized red and sometimes itchy skin bumps, fever, weakness in the lower limbs, convulsions, diarrhea, vomiting, and herpes zoster."

However, Amoth clarified that despite reactions in all 23 cases, only four were directly related to the vaccine.

The remaining cases were due to underlying health issues, except for one, which is still under investigation for unclear medical history.

"A report from the investigation showed that 18 of the cases were classified as coincidental, often due to underlying or emerging health conditions unrelated to the vaccine. Factors supporting this classification include symptom timing, pre-existing health issues, and environmental exposure to infections."

The statement follows weeks of concerns raised by mothers across the country, who reported adverse reactions in their children after vaccination. 

Symptoms such as rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, persistent coughs, and the appearance of lumps were among the side effects reported.

However, Amoth emphasised that most reactions were due to underlying factors rather than the vaccine itself, noting that over three million children were vaccinated and are healthy.