Rwanda begins to vaccinate teens against COVID-19

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Rwanda began administering coronavirus vaccines to teenagers aged between 12 and 17 on Tuesday, according to health officials.

Vaccinations began in the capital Kigali at multiple vaccination sites set up in schools, with plans of expanding efforts to other areas countrywide.

Inoculating adolescents could reduce the spread of COVID-19 across the country, health officials said.

"Expanding vaccination to this age group is aimed at strengthening our fight against COVID-19 in the country," said Tharcisse Mpunga, Rwanda's state minister in charge of primary healthcare.

"Teens under 18 were not among the most vulnerable to the virus. But as adults get inoculated, there is a risk of young people catching the virus and spreading it because many are day scholars who make routine movements."

For minors to be vaccinated, their parents or guardians are required to sign consent forms. With schools reopened in October, authorities hope vaccination could help avoid interruption of schooling.

Over the past several months, Rwanda has conducted mass vaccination campaigns targeting high-risk groups and working people to help ensure a safe reopening of the economy.

The East African nation has so far vaccinated more than 5.6 million of its population with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, more than 2.9 million of whom are fully vaccinated.

As of Monday, Rwanda registered a total of 100,217 COVID-19 cases, with 1,340 fatalities since the outbreak of the virus in the country, according to the World Health Organization.​​​​​​​