Kakamega Health Workers Roll Up Sleeves Against Influenza

The morning sun floods the hospital ward as healthcare workers prepare for another busy day. One by one, they roll up their sleeves, lining up to receive the influenza vaccine. 

For these frontline heroes, the shot is more than a precaution; it's a shield, protecting themselves, their colleagues, and the hundreds of patients who rely on their care every day.

This marks the start of phase two of a pilot program targeting over 27,000 healthcare workers across Kakamega, Siaya, Nakuru, and Mombasa counties, running until September 19, 2025. The campaign focuses on doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and sub-ordinate staff who come into direct contact with patients.

Protecting Frontline Workers

“The vaccination is necessary to control the possible spread of influenza virus from healthcare workers to patients and vice versa,” said Kakamega County Chief Officer in charge of Medical Services, David Allilah.

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system and can lead to hospitalization and, in severe cases, death. Vulnerable groups, pregnant women, children under five, adults above 65, and people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk.

This year’s program follows the first phase conducted in 2023, which achieved 88% coverage in Kakamega County. Public Health Chief Officer Rose Muhanda emphasized the county’s goal of reaching 100% vaccination to support the inclusion of influenza vaccination in Kenya’s national immunization program.

“I am encouraging all our healthcare workers, from community health volunteers to hospital staff, to get vaccinated. Most often, we are the first point of contact with patients. This helps prevent infections from being transmitted to or from healthcare providers,” Muhanda said.

Partners in the program emphasize that this is part of a broader plan to protect healthcare workers nationwide. Dr. Eric Osoro from Washington State Global Health Kenya, which is partnering with the Ministry of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explained:

“This program is not just about influenza. It’s a planning step for a potential national rollout. We want to learn how best to implement influenza vaccination nationwide.” He added that the exercise is expected to become an annual activity.

Global Health Perspective

The Chief Officer for Medical Services Kakamega county David Alillah addresses the media after launching the Influenza vaccination programme targeting health workers at Kakamega General Hospital. The vaccination programme will run from August 29, 2025 to October 19, 2025. photo KNA

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends influenza vaccination for healthcare workers, highlighting their higher risk of exposure and the potential to transmit infections to patients. 

Vaccination helps maintain healthcare services during influenza outbreaks and reduces the spread within health facilities. WHO has also developed guidelines for introducing influenza vaccination programs for healthcare workers, including operational plans and strategies for national decision-making.

Studies have shown that influenza vaccination significantly reduces the risk of medically attended influenza and hospitalizations. However, coverage among healthcare workers globally remains suboptimal, often due to limited vaccine availability, low awareness, or lack of strong recommendation from health authorities.

The Kakamega initiative aligns with these global priorities, protecting frontline workers while strengthening the county’s preparedness against influenza outbreaks. By targeting high-risk groups, the program contributes to broader national efforts to integrate influenza vaccination into Kenya’s routine immunization framework.