Ahead of the nationwide rollout of the mass vaccination against Covid-19 of children between 5 and 11 years, the Ministry of Health has urged religious leaders to support the campaign that targets more than 2 million which is 17 per cent of the total population.

The mass vaccination of children is set to kick off on October 3, an exercise that that the health ministry says will contribute to community immunity against the virus.

During a meeting that brought together health officials and religious leaders, the latter tipped on the importance of vaccinating young children and building children’s immunity to protect them from any complications from the virus.

The vaccination activities will take place in more than 3,880 schools to serve as the main vaccination centres, while in Kigali, the exercise will begin with private schools, most of which started a fortnight ago.

The state minister for primary healthcare, Dr Tharcisse Mpunga assured participants that, "vaccines are specifically made for children (pediatric dose), enough research was done on them and now we can use them.”

Mpunga added that religious leaders from different denominations command a lot of influence in their respective communities adding that "that’s why we invited them today to bring them on board so that they help us in the sensitization campaign.”

He added that children will be vaccinated from different schools which will be selected as vaccination centres, around the country, and since they are young parents will be signing the consent forms for them.

"We request parents to understand the importance of the activity and contribute by ensuring that every child in that age range gets vaccinated.” he said

The Mufti of Rwanda Sheikh Salim Hitimana, said that "since 2020, religious leaders have worked hand in hand with other stakeholders on what is needed for us to fight against Covid-19.”

"We are going to work together in terms of mobilising parents to take their young children to be vaccinated, through continuous teachings.” he said

According to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), among the 132,488 cases of Covid19 reported in Rwanda as of September 18, children aged 5-11 years were 4,358 representing 3.3 per cent of the total cases

The Pfizer vaccine Pediatric formulation will be given in two doses at 4 to 8-week intervals between the doses, it can be given as a shot in the muscle or the upper arm or in the thigh for a young child.