Kenya receives 3 million BCG vaccine doses

The government has received a consignment of three million doses of the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which will be distributed nationwide to address a recent shortfall in supply.

Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during the official handover of the vaccines from Gavi Vaccine Alliance, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga confirmed that the doses will be dispatched to regional depots located in Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nairobi, Mombasa, Nyeri, Meru, and Garissa counties. 

The vaccines are expected to be available at public health facilities from June 15, 2025.

Dr. Oluga urged parents of approximately 80,000 children who missed their BCG immunisation to present them at the nearest health center as the government works to close the gap in vaccination coverage.

“We are calling on parents and caregivers to bring forward children who may have missed their shots. These vaccines will be readily accessible across the country starting next week,” said Oluga.

He also appealed to county governments to support ongoing catch-up campaigns aimed at ensuring every eligible child receives the vital tuberculosis vaccine.

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The PS noted that a second batch of BCG vaccines is expected to arrive in the country within nine to twelve weeks, further strengthening immunisation efforts.

This consignment follows closely on the heels of another shipment of 3.2 million polio vaccine doses, signalling the Ministry of Health’s commitment to resolving recent vaccine shortages.

While acknowledging existing challenges in vaccine stock levels and immunisation programs, Dr. Oluga reassured the public that the government remains dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans.

“There is no cause for alarm. We are on track to catch up and ensure no child is left behind,” he affirmed.