Kenya Faces Temporary shortage of Rotavirus Vaccine

The Ministry of Health Kenya has announced a temporary shortage of the Rotavac Frozen rotavirus vaccine, a key immunization administered to infants as part of the country’s routine childhood vaccination schedule.Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the shortage has been caused by disruptions in the global supply chain affecting the vaccine’s availability.

The Rotavac vaccine is normally given to infants at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age to protect them against rotavirus infections, a leading cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration among young children.According to the Ministry, the vaccine is manufactured by Bharat Biotech, an Indian pharmaceutical company that supplies the vaccine to several countries.

The company has informed health authorities that it is currently experiencing production delays due to ongoing upgrades at its manufacturing facilities. These upgrades, while necessary to improve production capacity and maintain quality standards, have temporarily slowed output.As a result, deliveries of the vaccine expected between 2026 and 2027 have been affected, leading to shortages in several countries that rely on the supply, including Kenya.

The Ministry of Health has assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation and working with global health partners to mitigate the impact of the shortage. Efforts are underway to explore alternative supply options and ensure that the national immunization programme continues with minimal disruption.Health officials emphasized that rotavirus vaccination remains an essential component of child healthcare, as the virus is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide.

Without vaccination, the infection can lead to serious complications such as dehydration, hospitalization, and in severe cases, death.Parents and guardians have been encouraged to continue taking their children to health facilities for routine immunization visits and to follow guidance provided by healthcare workers during the period of limited vaccine availability.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health of children across the country and said it will provide updates as soon as normal vaccine supplies are restored.