The government of Rwanda on November 30, started administering Covid-19 booster shot, a move to continue the fight against the spread of the pandemic.
The booster shot is administered to those who completed their initial shots of the Covid-19 vaccine to boost their immunity.
According to figures from the Ministry of Health, as of Monday December 13, morning, at least 18,980 people had received their third dose while 4,134,538 people are inoculated with the second dose and 6,821,522 had at least one shot.
A health worker conducts a vaccination exercise at Nyabugogo Taxis Park on December 13.Dan Nsengiyumva
The Ministry of Health last week announced that Rwanda has achieved 30 per cent target of vaccination of its population since March this year.
The New Times highlights five things you should know as the country continues to inoculate the third dose, according to Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).
Who is eligible?
The booster shot is being administered to anyone aged 18 and above who has been fully vaccinated for at least six months.
However, priority is given to elderly citizens aged 50 and above, and people aged between 30 and 49 living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) or immune-compromising conditions as well as frontline workers.
Where can one receive it?
Any eligible person can get the booster shot at the bus terminals of Nyabugogo, Kimironko, and Kabuga bus parks in Kigali City.
Any eligible person can get the booster shot at the bus terminals of Nyabugogo, Kimironko, and Kabuga bus parks in Kigali City.
This is an extension move for mass vaccination in addition to different health centers across the city where one can receive the first, second, and booster dose.
Which types of vaccines are being administered?
When The New Times reached Nyabugogo bus park vaccination site, Moderna vaccine was being administered to people who came for the booster shot.
The ministry said it uses vaccines approved by Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Rwanda FDA and World Health Organization. They recommend that mixing vaccines offer greater protection.
According to officials, regardless of the type of vaccine you previously received, including the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, one can receive a booster shot.
Mixing of vaccines is fine, as long as they have been approved by the institutions named above.
How about upcountry people?
The drive of rolling out booster shots to all adults will be rolled out in Kigali on a mass scale on Wednesday, December 14, after which it will be extended to different upcountry districts, The New Times has learnt.
This will be done concurrently with those who have not received the first or second doses.
Vaccination certificate
RBC has confirmed that vaccination certificates will also reflect the booster shot for those who will have received it.