The Ministry of Health has commenced investigations into reports of adverse reactions linked to the recent nationwide polio vaccination campaign, which aimed to combat a recent outbreak of circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) in the country.

On Thursday, the Ministry acknowledged receiving the unverified reports concerning the vaccination's side effects, noting that formal communication would follow once the investigations are concluded.

"The Ministry of Health has received unverified reports regarding adverse events arising from the recent polio vaccination campaign. Investigations are ongoing, and a formal statement will be issued in due course," read an official statement from the Ministry.

As the investigation progresses, the Ministry has urged the public to refrain from spreading unconfirmed information.

In its appeal, the Ministry advised, “We discourage members of the public from spreading rumours and misinformation until the Ministry issues official information on this matter. Additional information on the polio vaccination campaign can be accessed from http://health.go.ke. For inquiries, please call 719.”

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The nationwide vaccination campaign, launched last week, was a direct response to five confirmed cases of cVDPV2 in Kenya.

Four of the cases were identified in children from the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County, while an additional case was detected through environmental surveillance in Kamukunji Sub-County, Nairobi.

Targeting over 3.8 million children under the age of five, the campaign covered nine counties considered high-risk areas.

These included Nairobi, Busia, Bungoma, Turkana, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado.

As investigations continue, the Ministry remains focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of children, while addressing public concerns about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness.