Vihiga: Vihiga County’s Department of Health has concluded a two-day training for healthcare workers (HCWs) on the newly revised national vaccination schedule for malaria, HPV, and IPV vaccines. The exercise is part of the county’s ongoing efforts to strengthen immunisation services and ensure a smooth rollout of the new guidelines across local health facilities.
According to Kenya News Agency, under the updated schedule, the malaria vaccine will transition from RTS,S to the R-21 type, which has demonstrated improved effectiveness in preventing malaria among young children. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) will now be administered in two doses-at 14 weeks and 9 months-to enhance immunity coverage. Meanwhile, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will be offered as a single dose to children aged 10 years.
The training primarily targeted healthcare workers serving in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinics, who play a crucial role in vaccine delivery. It also included health workers from various service delivery points and students on attachment, giving them hands-on exposure to the revised immunisation protocols.
Speaking during the closing session, officials from the Department of Health emphasised the importance of continuous professional development for health workers to enhance service quality and ensure effective vaccine administration. They expressed confidence that the training would improve efficiency in immunisation delivery and boost public trust in vaccination programmes.
Vaccination remains a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, protecting communities from life-threatening diseases such as malaria, cervical cancer, and polio. The Department reaffirmed its commitment to expanding immunisation coverage across all wards to ensure that no child or eligible individual is left behind.
Vihiga County Government continues to collaborate with the National Vaccines and Immunisation Program (NVIP) and other development partners to strengthen healthcare delivery and promote community health awareness, aligning with Kenya’s national goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).