World Immunisation Week: Essential Vaccines for Newborns and Children Up to 3 Years Old in Kenya

As the world observes World Immunisation Week from April 24th to 30th, health experts are urging parents to stay informed about the critical vaccines required for children up to 3 years old in Kenya, which play a crucial role in protecting against life-threatening diseases. Immunisation is key to ensuring the health and safety of infants and toddlers, especially in their formative years.

In Kenya, newborns and young children are required to receive a comprehensive set of vaccines starting at birth, in line with the Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunisation (KEPI).

Here is a look at the vaccine schedule for children from birth through to 3 years, and the diseases they protect against:

At Birth

• BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin):

Administered immediately after birth, the BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis (TB), particularly severe forms like TB meningitis.

• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV 0):

This vaccine is given within the first hours of life and protects against poliomyelitis, a disease that can cause paralysis or even death.

At 6 Weeks

• Pentavalent Vaccine 1 (DPT-HepB-Hib):

This combined vaccine provides protection against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in young children).

• Oral Polio Vaccine 1 (OPV 1):

Given alongside the pentavalent vaccine, this protects further against polio.

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV 1):

This vaccine protects against pneumococcal diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

• Rotavirus Vaccine 1:

This vaccine protects against rotavirus, the leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in young children.

At 10 Weeks

• Pentavalent Vaccine 2 (DPT-HepB-Hib):

This follow-up dose of the pentavalent vaccine ensures continued protection against the diseases mentioned above.

• Oral Polio Vaccine 2 (OPV 2):

This additional dose further protects against polio.

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV 2):

A second dose to boost protection against pneumococcal diseases.

At 14 Weeks

• Pentavalent Vaccine 3 (DPT-HepB-Hib):

The third dose of the pentavalent vaccine to complete protection against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Hib.

• Oral Polio Vaccine 3 (OPV 3):

The final dose of the oral polio vaccine to ensure full immunity.

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV 3):

The third and final dose of the pneumococcal vaccine to complete the series.

At 9 Months

• Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine:

This vaccine provides protection against both measles and rubella (German measles). Measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia and brain swelling, while rubella can lead to birth defects if contracted by a pregnant woman.

Between 18 Months and 3 Years

• Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT) Booster:

  This booster dose is given to strengthen the immune response against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.

  
  

• Polio Booster (OPV 4):

  A booster dose is given to ensure long-term immunity against polio.

  
  

• Measles-Rubella (MR) Booster:

  A second dose of the measles-rubella vaccine to reinforce immunity and prevent outbreaks.

Why Vaccination is Critical

Health experts stress that vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from preventable diseases. Immunising children not only ensures their protection from severe illness but also helps reduce healthcare costs and prevents the spread of disease within communities.

Early immunisation offers lasting protection, ensuring children grow up healthy and free from complications caused by diseases like measles, pneumonia, and polio.

Dr. Wincate Wangari, a nutritionist based in Nanyuki, emphasizes that vaccines build a strong foundation of immunity during a child’s most vulnerable years.

"Vaccinating your child provides them with the best defense against serious diseases, and these vaccines are safe, effective, and proven to work," says Dr. Wangari.