This archive report was first published on 24 September 2021.
Kenya: Vaccinating the Elderly Against Covid-19 Faces Myriad Challenges ¶
As of September 1, 2021, a total of 2,807,945 Covid-19 vaccine doses had been administered countrywide in Kenya, with 2,000,285 first doses and 807,660 second doses given.
However, only 9.3% of people aged 58 years and above have been fully vaccinated, raising concerns about the low turnout for Covid-19 vaccination among this age group.
Experts argue that poverty, lack of access to health facilities, and misconceptions about the vaccine are some of the factors contributing to the low turnout.
According to Mr. Jude Otogo, the country representative for HelpAge International, poverty is a significant barrier to vaccination among the elderly. 'The economically challenged elderly persons don't have time to queue for the vaccine at health centres because they spend most of their time looking for an income,' he says.
Dr. Stephanie Hauck, a consultant with the World Health Organization, notes that the elderly have been the most vulnerable during the pandemic, considering that they are dependent on other people. 'Especially in the African context where they have to depend on their children and grandchildren for survival, things get even worse when they have to be isolated,' she adds.
Dr. Willis Akhwale, the chairperson of the National Taskforce on Vaccine Deployment, notes that the main problem is that the elderly don't want to come to the hospitals because they fear contracting the disease. 'Remember this is a group of people with a high chance of having underlying conditions like diabetes, which could cause sensations after the administration,' he says.
Despite the challenges, there is still hope as records show an increase in the number of people above 58 years going for the first dose. Dr. Akhwale attributes this to an increase in sensitisation campaigns that have made it easier for people to access information not just about the Covid-19 vaccination, but the pandemic as well.
Mr. Otogo says lack of structured mobilisation activities and campaigns targeting older persons have hampered vaccine uptake in that demographic. 'Health activities and campaigns supporting other groups like pregnant women are in place, but when it comes to the elderly, there's nothing tangible,' he says.
Dr. Akhwale says his taskforce has recommended 'the use of community health workers. Also, targeted outreach should be conducted to reach this group,' he says.
