The Ministry of Health’s daily bulletin of 5 July announces the deaths of nine people, including two women aged 82 and 76 respectively, and two men aged 79 and 72. All are in the category of individuals who were vaccinated against covid-19.
According to the Ministry of Health’s bulletin dated 5 July, nine patients died of covid-19. “Condolences to the families of four women aged 82 (in Kigali), 76 (in Rubavu), 62 (in Karongi) and 57 (in Ruhango) and five men aged 79, 72, 52, 51 (in Kigali) and 64 (in Rubavu) who died,” it officially informed the population.
Among the deceased are some who meet the age criterion set so far for vaccination against Vaccine-19. Up to the age of 65, they should have already received two doses. Up to the age of 60, at least the first dose is required. Thus four of the victims would have received two doses. Three are from Kigali.
Nyarugenge District Hospital says that elderly individuals were generally vaccinated against covid-19.
“I can’t confirm whether they had been vaccinated. I need to know first if they were hospitalized with us,” says Julienne Mukamazimpaka, who is in charge of vaccination at Nyarugenge district hospital in Nyamirambo.
“Apart from some cases that would have refused the covid-19 vaccine, people of this age have generally been vaccinated,” adds Mukamazimpaka.
Critics of the covid-19 vaccines believe that it is not worth being vaccinated against covid-19 if people can get sick after their vaccination.
For the Minister of Health, Dr Daniel Ngamije, the vaccine does matter. “Covid-19 vaccines do not provide 100% immunization. This means that it is possible to be infected after the Vaccine-19. People should continue to protect themselves by following barrier measures until further notice,” he urges patience, pending mass immunization.
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Kigali explains that the vaccine production process is always closely monitored by the organization. So when WHO authorizes the use of a vaccine, people should not be afraid of it. “The vaccines used for immunization are considered safe and effective,” reassures Dr Rosette Nahimana, in charge of the Expanded Programme on Immunization at WHO-Kigali. “However, they are not without risk and adverse events can sometimes occur following vaccination, for various reasons,” she says. “An investigation should always be launched following an adverse event to gather information on the case. This will help determine the cause and implement follow-up actions,” she advises.
Gérard Rugambwa
