Strengthening Routine Immunization through COVID-19 Vaccine Integration in Kisumu County

Project Period: February 2023 – March 2025
Focus Area: Muhoroni Sub-County (32 immunizing health facilities)

Ciheb-Kenya, in collaboration with partners, is implementing a project in Kisumu County aimed at integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization (RI) services. The initiative, piloted in Muhoroni Sub-County, seeks to enhance immunization coverage for both essential childhood antigens and COVID-19 vaccines.

Background

The integration project was launched to address gaps in immunization coverage and strengthen the health system’s ability to deliver vaccines through a more coordinated and sustainable approach. The project uses a three-pronged strategy:

  1. Health Facility Screening and Linkage

  2. Community Engagement

  3. Defaulter Tracing and Referral

Phased Implementation

Pilot Phase: February – June 2023

  • Implemented in 6 health facilities in Muhoroni Sub-County.

  • Focused on screening at facility level, community sensitization, and defaulter tracing.

Scale-Up Phase: June 2023 – February 2024

  • Based on pilot results, the intervention was expanded to an additional 6 facilities.

  • Support included improved tracking of missed opportunities and strengthened follow-up systems.

Mapping Phase: March – June 2024

  • Zero-dose mapping conducted in all 12 participating health facilities.

  • Identified children who had missed routine doses and referred them for immunization.

Full Roll-Out: July – September 2024

  • The three-pronged strategy expanded to cover all 32 immunizing health facilities in Muhoroni Sub-County.

  • Key focus areas included:

    • Capacity building for healthcare workers (HCWs), community health assistants (CHAs), and community health promoters (CHPs)

    • Screening and referral at both community and facility levels

    • Appointment and defaulter management

    • Ongoing zero-dose mapping

    • Improved documentation and reporting

Key Achievements (as of September 2024)

  • Community Outreach & Mapping
    Reached 32,399 households and screened 13,679 children under five, identifying 37 zero-dose, 23 under-immunized, and 2,723 children who had missed at least one vaccine dose—all referred for vaccination.

  • COVID-19 Vaccination Screening
    Assessed 104,427 individuals aged 12+; of these, 84% were fully vaccinated, 5% partially vaccinated, and 11% unvaccinated.

  • Adolescent & Childhood Immunization Support

    • 5,930 adolescent girls screened for HPV vaccination; 47% fully vaccinated, 34% partially, 19% unvaccinated.

    • 43,481 children under five screened for Measles-Rubella; over 38,000 identified as eligible for MR1 or MR2.

    • 27,365 children screened for RTS,S malaria vaccine; identified 1,434 children needing initiation or completion of the vaccine series.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates the feasibility and impact of integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization services. By leveraging community-facility linkages and data-driven outreach, Ciheb-Kenya continues to close immunization gaps and promote healthier futures for communities in Kisumu County.