Anxiety as Nairobi polio vaccine triggers worrying symptoms

By Irene Kabithi

Mothers whose children were given the new upgraded polio vaccine are still pouring their worries on social media, some saying the reactions they are seeing on their children are too serious.

When Faith Ngina, a parent, saw the unexpected symptoms the upgraded polio vaccine triggered on her child precious, she was worried sick.

Also Read: Nairobi on high alert as new polio virus discovered in Eastleigh

” Immediately I saw some reaction, the child was vomiting and developed diarrhoea. I was concerned about my baby and I rushed to hospital immediately,”narrated Ngina.

“I was very concerned and very worried. You know, being a mother, you feel a certain bond with your baby. I felt the pain in my heart,”she added.

Ngina’s concerns were however replicated among many women across Kenya with outpouring reactions on social media.

The Director of Medical Services, Dr Jackson Kioko however says the bivalent vaccine has more side effects compared to the vaccine previously used.

“Any vaccine’s used have advanced effects. They will always have a certain level of risks. With this regard with the ongoing polio campaign, we are providing people with the bivalent vaccine. It has more risks compared to what was there,”explained Dr. Kioko.

Dr Kioko has further urged mothers not to panic, saying if the symptoms persist for more than ten days, only then should one seek medical advice.

According to the World Health Organization, there was a global switch from the trivalent vaccine to bivalent vaccine.

The polio campaign was aimed at certifying Kenya as a polio free country.