Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a temporary global supply disruption for the Rotavac rotavirus vaccine. The shortage stems from production delays at Bharat Biotech and is expected to affect child immunizations in Kenya through 2027. The ministry is collaborating with partners to address the issue.
The Ministry of Health has announced a temporary disruption in the global supply of the Rotavac frozen rotavirus vaccine, administered to infants at 6, 10, and 14 weeks to protect against severe diarrhoeal disease caused by rotavirus. The announcement came from Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on March 5, 2026, following information from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, that manufacturer Bharat Biotech faces production delays due to facility upgrades.
Duale's statement indicated that the shortage will impact vaccine distribution in Kenya during the 2026-2027 period. As of March 3, 2026, the country held about 4,000 doses at the national level, sufficient for less than one month. A shipment expected in January 2026 has been postponed, with the soonest arrival now projected for late April 2026.
"The Ministry of Health is working closely with UNICEF and partners to fast-track shipments, redistribute available doses equitably across counties, and closely monitor stock levels," Duale stated.
Despite the challenge, the ministry encouraged parents and caregivers to maintain routine immunization visits. Duale advised families to bolster home-based diarrhea prevention, including regular handwashing with soap, safe water treatment, proper food handling, and keeping clean household environments.
"The Ministry of Health assures the public that it is working with global partners to restore normal vaccine supply and will continue to provide regular updates," the CS assured.
