Guidelines for Monitoring, Reporting and Managing Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) In Kenya

Vaccines are biological substances that are administered to indi- viduals to elicit immunity (protection) against specific diseases. With the exception of safe water, nothing else, (not even antibiotics) has had such a major impact on the reduction of mortality (deaths) and morbidity (illness and disability) and on population growth like vaccination. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health intervention that has led to global eradication of diseases such as small pox and elimination of diseases such as tetanus.

The benefits of vaccination are felt both at individual level and com- munity level through herd immunity. Herd immunity is achieved once a critical number / proportion of individuals are vaccinated. In order to achieve and maintain high immunization coverage, there is need to maintain public confidence in immunization.