NAIROBI — With just hours left in a ten-day nationwide immunisation campaign, Kenya’s Ministry of Health is calling on parents to ensure their children receive the typhoid and measles-rubella vaccines — or risk missing out on a critical window of protection.

The campaign, which began on 5 July and ends Monday 14 July, aims to vaccinate millions of children across the country. But health officials warn that uptake is still below target, especially in areas where misinformation, inaccessibility, or complacency may be keeping children from life-saving jabs.

“We are appealing to all caregivers — go to your nearest school, church, mosque, market or health centre now,” Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said in a Saturday briefing. “These vaccines are free, safe and could save your child’s life.”

Falling Short of Targets

So far, the Ministry has reached about 3.5 million children with the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine — just over half of its 6.5 million target. The typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV), intended for children between 9 months and 14 years, has reached 12.1 million, with a goal of 19.2 million.

“Over 4,000 children who had never received a single vaccine dose have now been immunised,” said Mr Duale. “That’s progress. But we’re not done yet.”

He added that the country is facing a worrying rise in antimicrobial-resistant typhoid and resurging measles outbreaks. Both diseases disproportionately affect children under 15.

Critical Need Amid Rising Infections

Health experts say the urgency is real. Measles remains one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Typhoid, especially its drug-resistant strains, continues to spread through contaminated water and food in overcrowded urban areas and rural communities alike.

“These vaccines are proven to work,” said Dr Eunice Karanja, a Nairobi-based paediatrician. “If you're a parent and you’re unsure, speak to your local health worker — don’t wait until it’s too late.”

Both MR and TCV vaccines have been approved by the World Health Organization after extensive testing, and are already in widespread use in other countries.

Misinformation Still a Threat

Health authorities have also urged parents to rely on accurate, science-based sources for information — warning against a surge in misleading messages on social media.

“Misinformation costs lives,” said Mr Duale. “We encourage parents to speak to doctors, nurses, or trusted health officials — not strangers on WhatsApp.”

The government is working with community leaders, teachers and religious institutions to drive last-mile vaccinations during the final days of the campaign, including two planned mop-up days.

A National Commitment

The ministry says this campaign reflects a broader national goal: to ensure that no child in Kenya dies from a preventable disease.

From the densely packed estates of Nairobi to hard-to-reach rural outposts, health workers have fanned out with cool boxes and clipboards, delivering shots and reassurance.

“The response has been encouraging,” Mr Duale said. “Parents are turning up. They understand what’s at stake.”

The government has pledged to continue expanding routine immunisation coverage beyond the campaign, promising that vaccines will remain available for those who miss the deadline.