Child Wellness & Immunization: Protecting Your Child’s Future
As a parent, your child’s health is your top priority. One of the most important things you can do to protect your child is ensure they receive all recommended vaccinations on schedule.
At Nairobi Outpatient Gulf, we provide comprehensive child wellness services and complete immunization programs at just KSH 500 per vaccine. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your child healthy from birth through adolescence.
Why Immunization Matters
The Facts:
- Vaccines prevent 2-3 million deaths annually worldwide
- Immunization is one of the most cost-effective health interventions
- Vaccinated children have stronger immune systems
- Protects your child and the community (herd immunity)
Diseases We Prevent:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Polio
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (Whooping cough)
- Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumonia
- Rotavirus (severe diarrhea)
- Measles
- Rubella
- Yellow Fever
Before Vaccines: These diseases killed or disabled millions of children. Today, they’re preventable!
Kenya’s National Immunization Schedule
We follow the Ministry of Health recommended schedule:
At Birth (Within 24 Hours)
BCG Vaccine
Protects Against: Tuberculosis (TB)
What It Is:
- Live attenuated vaccine
- Single dose
- Given in left upper arm
What to Expect:
- Small blister forms (2-6 weeks)
- Eventually forms small scar
- Normal healing process
- No bandage needed
Why BCG Matters in Kenya: TB is endemic in Kenya. BCG prevents severe forms like TB meningitis and miliary TB in children.
OPV 0 (Oral Polio Vaccine)
Protects Against: Polio
Administration:
- Oral drops (2 drops)
- At birth or shortly after
Why At Birth: Provides immediate protection in high-risk areas.
Hepatitis B Birth Dose
Protects Against: Hepatitis B
Why Within 24 Hours:
- Prevents mother-to-child transmission
- Most effective when given early
- Protection lasts lifetime
6 Weeks Old
Pentavalent Vaccine (DPT-HepB-Hib) – Dose 1
Five-in-One Protection:
- Diphtheria – Throat infection, breathing difficulty
- Pertussis – Whooping cough (dangerous for infants)
- Tetanus – Lockjaw (from wounds)
- Hepatitis B – Liver disease
- Hib – Meningitis, pneumonia
Administration:
- Injection in thigh
- First of three doses
Side Effects:
- Mild fever (normal)
- Injection site tenderness
- Fussiness
- Treat fever with paracetamol
OPV 1 (Oral Polio) – Dose 1
Second dose of polio protection
PCV 1 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) – Dose 1
Protects Against:
- Pneumonia (leading killer of children under 5)
- Meningitis
- Sepsis
- Ear infections
Administration: Injection in thigh
Rota 1 (Rotavirus Vaccine) – Dose 1
Protects Against:
- Severe diarrhea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- Leading cause of child hospitalization
Administration: Oral drops
Important: Must be given by 15 weeks (age restriction)
10 Weeks Old
Same Vaccines, Second Doses:
- Pentavalent 2
- OPV 2
- PCV 2
- Rota 2
Why Multiple Doses: Builds stronger, longer-lasting immunity
14 Weeks Old
Third and Final Doses:
- Pentavalent 3
- OPV 3
- PCV 3
- Rota 3 (if 3-dose schedule)
Plus:
IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine)
- Injectable polio vaccine
- Additional protection
- Given in thigh
After This Visit: Your baby is protected against 10 major diseases!
6 Months Old
Vitamin A Supplementation
Benefits:
- Boosts immune system
- Reduces child mortality by 23%
- Prevents blindness
- Supports growth
Schedule:
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- Every 6 months until age 5
Administration: Oral capsule (100,000 IU for 6-11 months)
9 Months Old
Measles-Rubella Vaccine (MR1) – Dose 1
Protects Against:
- Measles: Highly contagious, can cause pneumonia, brain damage, death
- Rubella: Dangerous for pregnant women (birth defects)
Why at 9 Months: Maternal antibodies have worn off
Administration: Injection in left upper arm
Side Effects:
- Mild fever (7-10 days after)
- Rash
- Normal immune response
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Protects Against: Yellow Fever
Why Important:
- Endemic in Kenya
- Required for international travel
- Can be fatal disease
Administration: Injection
Provides: Lifelong protection
Vitamin A (Second Dose)
12 Months
Vitamin A (Third Dose)
18 Months
Measles-Rubella (MR2) – Dose 2
Why Second Dose:
- 15% don’t respond to first dose
- Ensures complete protection
- Prevents outbreaks
Booster Doses:
OPV Booster Additional polio protection
DPT Booster Reinforces protection against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus
Vitamin A (Fourth Dose)
School Entry (4-6 Years)
Td (Tetanus-Diphtheria) Booster
Why Needed:
- Immunity wanes over time
- Prepares for school injuries
- Protects against tetanus from wounds
Girls Age 10-14
HPV Vaccine (Human Papillomavirus)
Protects Against:
- Cervical cancer (leading cancer in Kenyan women)
- Genital warts
- Other HPV-related cancers
Schedule:
- First dose: Age 10-14
- Second dose: 6-12 months later
Why Before Sexual Activity: Most effective when given before exposure to HPV
Important: This vaccine prevents cancer! Don’t miss it.
Additional Vaccines Available
Beyond the national schedule, we also offer:
Typhoid Vaccine
For: Children over 2 years When: High-risk areas, travel
Influenza (Flu Shot)
For: All children annually When: Start at 6 months Why: Prevents seasonal flu, complications
Hepatitis A
For: Children in high-risk areas When: 12 months and older
Varicella (Chickenpox)
For: Children over 12 months Schedule: 2 doses
Meningococcal Vaccine
For: High-risk children, travel to endemic areas
Vaccine Safety: What Parents Need to Know
Are Vaccines Safe? YES! Vaccines are among the safest medical products.
Vaccine Development:
- Years of testing
- Continuous monitoring
- Proven safety record
- Benefits far outweigh risks
Common Concerns Addressed:
“Do vaccines cause autism?” NO. This has been thoroughly debunked. Multiple large studies found no link between vaccines and autism.
“Are there harmful ingredients?” All ingredients serve specific purposes and are safe in the amounts used:
- Preservatives prevent contamination
- Adjuvants boost immune response
- Stabilizers maintain vaccine effectiveness
“Can vaccines overwhelm the immune system?” NO. Children’s immune systems handle thousands of antigens daily. Vaccines contain far fewer.
“Why so many vaccines?” We can now prevent diseases that killed millions. More protection = healthier children.
Managing Vaccine Side Effects
Common (Normal) Side Effects:
Mild Fever:
- Temperature up to 38.5°C
- Usually 24-48 hours after
- Give paracetamol
- Light clothing
- Plenty of fluids
Injection Site Reactions:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Cool compress helps
- Resolves in 2-3 days
Fussiness:
- Normal response
- Extra cuddling helps
- Breastfeed for comfort
Mild Rash:
- Particularly after measles vaccine
- 7-10 days later
- Not contagious
- Resolves on its own
When to Call Us:
Serious (Rare) Reactions:
- High fever (>39°C)
- Persistent crying (>3 hours)
- Seizure
- Severe allergic reaction (very rare)
- Unusual lethargy
We’re Here to Help: Call immediately if concerned.
Missed Vaccines? Catch-Up Immunization
Life Happens:
- Illness on vaccine day
- Travel
- Lack of awareness
- Access challenges
Good News: It’s never too late!
Our Catch-Up Program:
- Review your child’s immunization history
- Create personalized catch-up schedule
- Safe intervals between doses
- Get back on track
Bring:
- Mother-Child Health Booklet (Blue Book)
- Any previous immunization records
Well-Child Checkups: Beyond Vaccinations
Our child wellness clinic provides comprehensive care:
Growth Monitoring
We Track:
- Weight
- Height/Length
- Head circumference (infants)
- Body Mass Index (BMI)
Why It Matters:
- Ensures proper nutrition
- Detects growth problems early
- Identifies obesity/malnutrition
- Monitors chronic conditions
Growth Charts: We use WHO growth standards to compare your child’s growth to healthy children worldwide.
Red Flags:
- Weight not increasing
- Height not tracking curve
- Sudden weight loss
- Obesity (BMI >95th percentile)
Developmental Milestones
What We Check:
Motor Skills:
- Rolling over
- Sitting
- Crawling
- Walking
- Running
- Fine motor (holding objects)
Language:
- Cooing, babbling
- First words
- Sentences
- Comprehension
Social/Emotional:
- Smiling
- Recognizing parents
- Playing with others
- Emotional regulation
Cognitive:
- Problem-solving
- Learning
- Memory
- Attention span
Early Detection: Identifying delays early allows for intervention and better outcomes.
Nutritional Counseling
Age-Appropriate Guidance:
0-6 Months:
- Exclusive breastfeeding
- No water, juice, or other foods
- Breastfeeding problems? We can help
6-12 Months:
- Continue breastfeeding
- Start solid foods (6 months)
- Iron-rich foods important
- Progression of textures
1-5 Years:
- Balanced diet from all food groups
- Portion sizes
- Healthy snacks
- Avoiding junk food
- Picky eater strategies
School Age:
- Nutrition for growth and learning
- Healthy lunch boxes
- Sports nutrition
- Obesity prevention
Childhood Illness Treatment
We Treat Common Conditions:
Respiratory:
- Colds and cough
- Flu
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
- Croup
Gastrointestinal:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Food allergies
Infections:
- Ear infections
- Throat infections (tonsillitis)
- Skin infections
- Urinary tract infections
Skin Conditions:
- Rashes
- Eczema
- Fungal infections
- Insect bites
On-Site Services:
- Laboratory testing (if needed)
- Pharmacy for medications
- Follow-up appointments
Health Screening for Children
Blood Sugar Check-Up – KSH 300 For:
- Overweight children
- Family history of diabetes
- Symptoms of diabetes
Blood Pressure Monitoring For:
- Obese children
- Family history of hypertension
- Kidney disease
- Annual checkups (age 3+)
Vision and Hearing Screening Why Important:
- 80% of learning is visual
- Undetected problems affect school performance
- Early intervention most effective
School Immunization Requirements
Documents We Provide:
Immunization Certificate:
- Official record of all vaccines
- Required for school enrollment
- Updated after each vaccine
Medical Clearance:
- General health assessment
- Fitness for school activities
- Medical certificate
International Travel:
- Yellow Fever certificate
- Other required vaccines
- WHO-approved documentation
Parenting Support & Education
We Provide Guidance On:
Newborn Care:
- Umbilical cord care
- Bathing
- Diaper changes
- Sleep patterns
- Crying/colic management
Infant Safety:
- Safe sleep (back to sleep)
- Car seat use
- Home safety (choking hazards)
- Injury prevention
Behavioral Issues:
- Temper tantrums
- Discipline strategies
- Toilet training
- Sleep problems
- Screen time limits
Developmental Concerns:
- Speech delays
- Motor delays
- Learning difficulties
- Autism spectrum screening
