The Ministry of Health has allocated Ksh.1.25 billion to procure routine childhood vaccines following a shortage experienced in several parts of the country.

The government has urged caregivers to take their children to health facilities for immunisation as vaccine supply is now available.

Vaccines that had hit a critical low include, BCG, Oral Polio, Tetanus- Diphtheria and Measles Rubella.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said it has received 1,209,500 doses of Measles Rubella, 3,032,000 doses of Oral Polio Vaccine, 1,000,000 doses Tetanus- diphtheria and 3,129,000 doses of BCG vaccines.

The vaccines are currently being processed for distribution to nine vaccine stores across the country.

To accelerate the process, the government has tasked refrigerated trucks to ensure the lifesaving vaccines reach the required health facilities on time.

“We call on our health workers to collaborate with community health teams to ensure all children who missed vaccinations return to the facilities and catch up on their immunisation schedule,” read the report.

About 15,000 fewer children were vaccinated in April when the country started recording the shortages. 

The government promised continuous engagement with the National Treasury to ensure increased and dedicated resources are allocated to the immunisation program ensuring timely vaccination processes within the country.

“To achieve this, the ministry is exploring innovative options for sustainable financing of vaccine procurement and program operations to prevent future stock out," said MoH

At least 1.6 million infants, a similar number of pregnant women as well as 750,000 girls under 10, may have missed critical vaccines because the government missed out on a year-long supply after defaulting a Ksh.2 billion debt to a global supplier.

The shortage had been caused by delays in payment and a reduction in the budget for the procurement and distribution of routine vaccines.