The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has requested its members across the country to stop administering tetanus vaccine to girls and women aged between 14-49 years.
The Union’s Leadership say the vaccination exercise should stop, until after research has been done to confirm the suitability of the vaccine.
Addressing nurses at Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground on Thursday afternoon, Knun Secretary General Seth Panyako said all stakeholders must be consulted before the vaccination continues.
“What we are saying is that the tetanus vaccination exercise must be stopped with immediate effect, until proper research is carried out by an independent laboratory,” said Panyako.
Leaders of the Catholic Church have raised questions over the vaccination, claiming the vaccine is aimed at coercing women into family planning.
However, the government supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), insist the vaccination is safe.
Panyako also put the government on notice, saying nurses will be embarking on a nationwide strike come Monday, if the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will not have been signed by Sunday night.
The CBA was negotiated in September last year, and concluded in February this year.
The strike was initially scheduled to start on September 22 this year, but a grace period of 60 days was given after the Government promised to sign the CBA.