Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has expressed optimism over achieving its target of vaccinating 2 million children between the ages of 5 to 11 before end of year, 2022.

The mass rollout of vaccination activities for children started on October 3 and is still ongoing in more than 3,880 schools that are serving as the main vaccination centres.

According to a weekly update released by RBC late last week, close to 1 million children have already received at least the first jab of Covid-19 vaccination, a development that has given RBC optimism that they can vaccinate all the 2 million before the year winds up.

"We are now in November and have covered almost half (of the 2 million children). By the beginning of December, I think we will be ahead with the support of parents," said Julien Niyingabira, the Head of Rwanda Health Communications Centre (RHCC) said.

He noted that this will require more efforts of sensitisation and explaining to some parents who, for some reason, might be reluctant to let their children be vaccinated.

With about six types of vaccines approved in Rwanda, the government is particularly administering the paediatric formulation of the Pfizer vaccine (10 microgramme/ dose) to children.

What parents say

Sarah Umutoni, a mother of two, told The New Times that at first they were not comfortable to let the children take the Covid-19 vaccination, but after getting explanations on how the jab will help, they were fine letting their children be vaccinated.

Christian Mugabo, another parent, said that some parents don’t understand why children have to be vaccinated.

"While Covid-19 is still not a medical emergency, this shouldn’t be a reason for some to be reluctant in signing consent forms for their children to be vaccinated. We have all been vaccinated for our safety and that should be the same for our children,” he said.

Covid-19 typically causes less severe illness and fewer deaths in children and adolescents compared to adults; however, they remain susceptible to it and may transmit the virus to others, medics say.

According to the World Health Organisation, like any vaccine, Covid-19 vaccines can cause side effects, although many people do not experience them. The vast majority of side effects are mild and short-lived. They can include pain where you received the injection, tiredness, fever, chills, nausea, or a headache.