Nakuru has recorded an increase in access to maternal immunisation over the past decade, with 85 per cent of expectant mothers aged 19–39 years fully immunised, according to the latest data released by the County Government.
In 2004, maternal immunisation coverage stood at 57 per cent.
Nevertheless, the devolved unit’s administration is worried about the outstanding 15 per cent of expectant women who have not received all their vaccines, posing a risk to their unborn infants.
While emphasising the need for a robust upward trend in maternal immunisation rates, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services Ms. Roselyn Mungai said that they had put in place strategies to push the figure to 90 per cent by the end of next year.
“We wish we could have a stronger upward trend so that we don’t leave any expectant women. Out of every 10 expectant women, 2 have never been vaccinated, which poses a serious risk to their unborn babies,” she indicated.
She said the significant progress in maternal immunisation rates has partly been due to the implementation of the Maternal Immunisation Readiness Initiative (MIRI).
Ms. Mungai disclosed that the county has 232 immunisation facilities in both public and private healthcare entities.
“This initiative led by Jhpiego, focused on strengthening data collection capabilities, conducting readiness assessments, and promoting demand for maternal vaccination. The project also supported the inclusion of pregnant and lactating women in essential immunisation programmes,” she explained.
Vaccinating a pregnant woman is aimed at protecting their unborn babies from tetanus, influenza, and pertussis (whooping cough), as toddlers cannot get their first doses until they are six months of age.
Ms. Mungai explained that women in the second or third trimester have emerged as a promising way to address vaccine-preventable diseases, providing protection to the newborn during the most vulnerable period in life through the trans-placental transfer of maternal antibodies.
The CECM indicated that these maternal antibodies offer newborns critical protection in the vulnerable first days and months of life.
“Babies younger than 6 months of age have 20 times higher rates of pertussis (whooping cough) than other age groups, are more likely to be admitted to the hospital, and are more likely to have life-threatening complications such as pneumonia and seizures if they become infected.
Vaccinating a pregnant woman can protect both mother and baby from these potentially deadly infections because the antibodies a woman produces in response to vaccination not only protect her but also cross the placenta to her baby,” observed the CECM.
She affirmed that maternal vaccinations have become an essential part of healthcare, preventing the spread of deadly diseases and protecting the well-being of people, especially unborn babies.
The decision to forgo the vaccinations, she warned, can have serious consequences and pose significant risks.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends maternal immunisation against influenza and pertussis during each pregnancy.
Influenza vaccine should be given at any time during pregnancy as soon as influenza vaccine is available, while pertussis vaccine is ideally given during the third trimester (weeks 27-36).
Ms. Mungai said toddlers under a month old are especially vulnerable to infections because their immune systems are not fully developed, which means they struggle to fight off viruses and bacteria.
Maternal vaccination during pregnancy can not only protect expectant mothers from disease but can also enable them to pass protective antibodies to their babies, in a process known as maternal passive immunity.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in countries with high maternal tetanus vaccination rates, infant tetanus cases are rarely seen.
Maternal vaccination is also 95 per cent effective at preventing infant deaths from whooping cough.
By Anne Mwale and Meggy Njoki
