Health authorities have reassured Kenyans over the safety of the newly introduced measles-rubella and typhoid conjugate vaccines, amid public anxiety surrounding the ongoing national immunization campaign.

Speaking in Voi, Taita Taveta County, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth dismissed safety concerns and encouraged parents to present their children for vaccination.

“The vaccines have passed rigorous regulatory checks and are completely safe,” Amoth affirmed, adding that the rollout followed an intensive evaluation process by both international and local experts.

Before adoption, he explained, the vaccines were scrutinized by the Kenya Technical Immunization Group, an independent body that assesses safety, efficacy, and policy readiness.

“This is not a rushed process. Every step is evidence-based, and Kenyans should have full confidence in these life-saving interventions,” he said.

Amoth’s remarks followed the official launch of the immunization drive by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at Githogoro Grounds in Westlands, Nairobi.

Duale said the campaign aims to plug immunization gaps created by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure no child is left behind.

“This is our moment to reach the last child in the furthest corners. Vaccination is not just a health measure it’s a nation-building tool,” Duale said.

He described the campaign as a key part of the government’s Big Catch-Up programme, which targets unvaccinated children and prioritizes disease prevention nationwide.