Malaria, HPV, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever—Who Gets Them and Where?

Kenya’s immunization program in 2025 is expanding to include several new and targeted vaccines aimed at protecting vulnerable populations from emerging and persistent threats. These additions—Malaria, HPV, Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), and Yellow Fever—are being rolled out through national campaigns and integrated into routine schedules, with specific age groups and regions prioritized.

This article breaks down the eligibility criteria, rollout timelines, and geographic targeting for each vaccine.

1. Malaria Vaccine (RTS,S/AS01)

Overview:

• Kenya is among the African countries piloting the RTS,S malaria vaccine, primarily in high-transmission zones.
• The vaccine is designed to reduce severe malaria and hospitalizations in children under 5.

Eligibility:

• Children aged 6 months to 24 months
• Must reside in malaria-endemic counties

Target Counties:

• Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga
• Expansion planned for Kilifi, Tana River, and Kwale by late 2025

Rollout Notes:

• Administered in 4 doses over 18 months
• Delivered through routine immunization and outreach clinics

2. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

Overview:

• Kenya introduced HPV vaccine in 2019, but 2025 sees renewed efforts to improve uptake and expand coverage.

Eligibility:

• Girls aged 10–14 years
• Boys may be included in pilot programs in Nairobi and Kisumu

Target Regions:

• Nationwide, with emphasis on:
  • Urban informal settlements
  • Counties with high cervical cancer rates (e.g. Nairobi, Kisii, Nyeri, Meru)

Rollout Notes:

• 2-dose schedule spaced 6 months apart
• Delivered via schools, health centers, and community campaigns

3. Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV)

Overview:

• Kenya launched a national TCV campaign from July 5 to July 14, 2025, targeting drug-resistant typhoid outbreaks.

Eligibility:

• Children aged 9 months to 14 years
• Integrated into routine immunization at 9 months of age post-campaign

Target Regions:

• All 47 counties, with special focus on:
  • Urban slums
  • Flood-prone areas
  • Counties with poor sanitation infrastructure

Rollout Notes:

• Delivered via health facilities, mobile clinics, and school-based drives
• Goal: 80% coverage nationally

4. Yellow Fever Vaccine

Overview:

• Yellow fever remains a threat in border and forested regions.
• Kenya is scaling up vaccination in line with WHO’s Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) strategy.

Eligibility:

• Residents aged 9 months and above in high-risk zones
• Travelers to endemic areas

Target Counties:

• Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera
• Border regions and pastoralist communities prioritized

Rollout Notes:

• Delivered via routine immunization and mass campaigns
• Proof of vaccination required for international travel to certain countries

5. Integration into Routine Immunization

The Ministry of Health, through the National Vaccines and Immunization Program (NVIP), is incorporating these vaccines into the KEPI schedule to ensure long-term access:

Vaccine	Age of Administration	Delivery Mode
Malaria	6 months onward	Routine + outreach
HPV	10–14 years	School + facility
TCV	9 months	Routine + campaigns
Yellow Fever	9 months onward	Routine + travel clinics

Final Thoughts

Kenya’s 2025 vaccine rollout reflects a bold commitment to equity, innovation, and disease prevention. By targeting high-risk populations and integrating new vaccines into routine care, the country is strengthening its public health defenses against both endemic and emerging threats.