NAIROBI, March 5, 2026 — The Ministry of Health has issued a warning regarding a temporary shortage of the Rotavac rotavirus vaccine, attributed to a global supply disruption. Currently, the nation holds approximately 4,000 doses at the national level.
In a statement made on Thursday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale indicated that the shortage stems from production delays by the vaccine manufacturer, Bharat Biotech, which is currently engaged in facility upgrades. This disruption has impacted the delivery of the Rotavac Frozen vaccine to several countries.
The Rotavac vaccine is routinely administered to infants at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age to safeguard them against rotavirus infections, a significant cause of severe diarrhoea in children.
According to the Ministry, the existing stock is projected to last less than one month. The next shipment, which was initially anticipated in January, has now been delayed and is expected to arrive by the end of April 2026.
Health Cabinet Secretary Duale stated that the government is collaborating closely with UNICEF and other global partners to expedite vaccine deliveries and ensure equitable distribution of the available doses across counties, thereby minimising disruptions to immunisation services.
“The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring stock levels and coordinating with partners to restore normal supply as soon as possible,” he remarked.
While efforts are ongoing to secure additional supplies, Duale encouraged parents and caregivers to continue taking their children for routine immunisation visits. He also advocated for the adoption of proper hygiene practices to bolster diarrhoea prevention measures.
Duale underscored the significance of preventive practices, including handwashing with soap, safe water treatment, proper food handling, and maintaining clean household environments, to mitigate the risk of diarrhoeal diseases among children.
The Ministry reassured the public that the protection of children’s health remains a top priority and committed to providing further updates as efforts to stabilise vaccine supply continue.