The Ministry of Health has said that recipients of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible for booster shot three months after being fully vaccinated.

The dose was previously administered to fully vaccinated recipients after six months.

The State Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga has told IGIHE that the third dose might strengthen immunity amidst the high rise of new COVID-19 cases.

“The decision was taken following fast spread of the virus among vaccinated people,” he said.

“Receiving the booster dose will increase immunity against Omicron,” Dr. Mpunga added.

Research shows that the third booster dose may strengthen immunity against Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Dr. Mpunga has also revealed that the immunity of people who received the first dose of AstaZeneca dose is very low.

“It has been observed AstraZenena offers low immunity against Omicron compared to other variants of COVID-19. That is why we are administering Pfizer and Moderna booster doses,” he noted.

Dr. Mpunga has encouraged all Rwandans who meet requirements to get a booster shot at nearest health center.

Rwanda continues to scale up vaccination efforts where 130,155 have so far received the third dose of COIVD-19 vaccine as at 28th December 2021.

Among others; a total of 7,629,877 people have received the first dose while 5, 435,180 are fully vaccinated.
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