The Ministry of Health (MOH) has introduced new guidelines to standardise vaccine delivery in immunisation clinics across Uganda. The revised guide outlines which vaccines should be administered at specific ages and the appropriate intervals between doses.

According to Dr Alfred Driwale, the Commissioner of Health Services and former Manager of the Immunisation Programme, the release of the updated guide comes at a critical time as the government broadens its vaccination efforts. He noted that “delivering those vaccines according to the right age and interval is critical to their effectiveness.”

Uganda has long maintained a national immunisation schedule, but the programme has expanded significantly in recent years. “Previously, only six vaccines were administered, all before a child’s first birthday. Today, the schedule has expanded to fourteen vaccines, including several one-off vaccines introduced in response to outbreaks,” Dr Driwale explained. “With the changing immunisation landscape, it was necessary to offer clear guidance to help health workers manage these challenges.”

In addition to the vaccination schedule, the new document provides detailed instructions on vaccine storage, record keeping throughout life, responding to adverse reactions, and communicating vaccine-related information effectively to the public.

Dr Driwale, who represented the Director General of Health Services during the flag-off event on Tuesday, said each immunisation facility would receive a copy of the new guide. Distribution will be handled by the National Medical Stores, delivered alongside regular vaccine supplies.

Speaking at the launch, Gebremichael Mala Ayene, Head of Mission for Uganda at the Africa Centres for Disease Control, underscored the importance of ensuring every community benefits from quality immunisation services. He said that “every community deserves access to quality immunisation services, and having clear guidelines ensures health workers deliver consistently high standards of care.”

The updated guidelines stem from innovations introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to bridge gaps caused by disruptions to routine healthcare. The initiative known as Saving Lives and Livelihoods was designed to help children who missed vaccines catch up and to promote vaccination across all age groups, including adults.

According to Dr John Serebe, District Health Officer of Kyankwanzi, the initiative is already producing encouraging results.