The Department of Health in Tana River County is targeting to immunize 84,658 infants during the first round of polio vaccination campaigns this year.
The County Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation, George Kase said health workers were expected to immunize 23,644 infants in Tana River Sub County, 33,703 in Tana North Sub County and 27,311 in Tana Delta Sub County.
Speaking during the launch of the polio immunization campaign in Hola Town on Saturday, Kase urged parents and guardians to avail all children under five years for immunization during the door to door exercise that will end on Wednesday.
“The health workers will be moving from house to house to vaccinate all children under five years,” he said adding that, “The polio vaccine is also available in all public health facilities.”
He explained that the health teams would be moving from house to house, while others will be stationed in hospitals, schools, madrassas, and churches among other areas to ensure all targeted children are vaccinated against the deadly disease.
“I would like to assure residents that the vaccine is tested, safe and effective and urge them to avail their children for the exercise,” said Kase.
The polio immunization campaign is being conducted in 11 counties considered to be high-risk for the deadly polio virus.
The vaccination is targeting a total of 2,635,714 children in Nairobi, Lamu, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Kilifi, Turkana, Mombasa and Isiolo counties.
By Felix Mulu
