Analysis
Parents in Kenya continue to post online about their struggles to get their children vaccinated amid the ongoing vaccine shortage. In response to one such post, some commenters claim that polio vaccines are unnecessary and “control our DNA,” while others argue that vaccines are not necessary and that “a child cannot die from missing a vaccine.” Several replies state that the baby is “lucky” not to be vaccinated.
Recommendations
Health communicators may use conversations about vaccine shortages to emphasize the importance of vaccination and encourage people to speak with community health workers about their concerns about vaccine safety. Messaging may explain how polio vaccines keep children of all ages safe and that vaccination is the only way to prevent polio.