COVID-19 Vaccination starts in Rwanda
COVID-19 Vaccination starts in Rwanda: On the 14th of February 2021, Rwanda has become one of the first African countries to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and start administering it to the Rwandan people. As it has been known around the entire world, the deadly virus has spread to all corners of the world unprecedentedly and claimed many lives. A number of scientists have since looked for cures and vaccines until a number of vaccines were approved by World Health Organization after undergoing clinical trials. There are currently up to 60 vaccines in the clinical development with more than 170 others in line for pre-clinical development.
The Ministry of Rwanda sent out a communication on the current status. The Rwandan National Vaccination Program has become active and identified the high-risk groups of people to be the first to receive this vaccine.
The individuals considered in this high-risk category include the healthcare stuff that get into direct contact with the patients or those coming for tests. The World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccines that were acquired through partnerships with international entities in a limited number though for the first phase.
A bigger supply of the vaccination and related supplies will be ready for more people later this month of February 2021. COVAX facilities along with the African Union Africa Medical Supplies platform are expected to be equipped with come this month. The COVID-19 vaccination is ready to start administering to the Rwandan people given that the infrastructure has been set up and tight standard operating procedures to minimize the spread of the virus within the country.
COVAX is one of the pillars of finding an effective vaccine for everyone in the world as soon as possible and also following up on the manufacturing capabilities and in charge of buying the supply to produce up to 2 billion doses before time and see to it that all dozes have been distributed evenly by the end of 2021. This team is however led by the World Health organization (WHO), GAVI and Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) along with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency fund (UNICEF). These teams on ground are empowering and preparing the different countries to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by sharing guidelines, tools, trainings, advocacy and reading materials are in progress to create awareness and acceptance of the vaccine.
Countries have been advised to come up with a national deployment and vaccination plan and the Rwanda government has been quick at this request which has enabled the country as one to be ready to receive the vaccine and start administration. This national deployment and vaccination plan gives an operation layout on the planning and implementation of the vaccine in the country.
A few of the most commonly asked questions by people on receiving this vaccination are addressed below.
Can I get COVID-19 after vaccination? Even after receiving the vaccine it may be possible to catch the virus and spread it immediately after receiving the vaccine. This is majorly because the body has to build up immunity which is scientifically noted to start at least 12 days from the date of receiving the vaccine thus COVID-19 Vaccination starts in Rwanda.
Do I still have to undergo the 24 hour mandatory quarantine of Rwanda on arrival? Currently yes you will have to undergo the 24 hour mandatory quarantine as you await your test results to return. This is just an extra precaution and protocol which was decided by the Rwandan government ensuring safety of the people of Rwanda.
When is one considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19? This is only after receiving all the shots of the vaccine that you are considered vaccinated. You will still have to take some tests after a few days as you may have been infected with the virus before the vaccination.
Do I still have to wear a mask and follow all the other Standard operating procedures even after getting the vaccination? Yes, the doctors advise to continue following the Standard operating procedures as you can still be infected by the new coronavirus. Also majorly because of that time in between as your body builds immunity against the Coronavirus. Also because the Pzifer and Moderna vaccines that have been tested to be 95% effective have a 5% allowance and are only effective after two weeks or less after the second shot.
How many shots does the Coronavirus vaccine have? Different brands of the vaccines have different plans by the Pzifer and Moderna vaccines that are most commonly recommended both require you to take two shots after a given period of time between the two shots.
Does the COVID-19 vaccination cover for other illnesses like pneumonia? No. The COVID-19 vaccine is specifically tested and tried against the coronavirus so do not expect it to heal or shield you from other respiratory illnesses.
Any side effects of the COVID-19 virus? Just like any other medication, it reacts different to different persons and side effects are possible while other individuals may not be faced with side effects. A few of them however include headache, fatigue, pain at the injection point or muscle pains especially after the second dose.
Is Rwanda vaccinating yet? Yes, Rwanda is vaccinating the frontline workers and will soon acquire vaccines for the Rwandan people at large. Rwanda waits for you to visit as it will soon be a fully vaccinated and safe country. Do you have any more queries on the coronavirus vaccine and travel, feel free to reach out to any of our knowledgeable team of Rwanda safari tour consultants who are eagerly waiting to hear from you.
