MANILA, Philippines — Around 41 million individuals in the country have yet to receive their first booster dose against COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.
The DOH said that some 56 million of the 71 million fully vaccinated persons are qualified for the first booster shot. However, only 15 million availed of the anti-COVID booster.
“According to the latest data from the [National Vaccination Operations Center], as of July 12, 2022: Of the over 71 million fully vaccinated individuals, around 56 million adults are eligible for the first booster. Removing those who have already been given, there are around 41 million adults due for the first booster,” the DOH told reporters in a message.
Earlier, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stressed that COVID-19 vaccination, including administration of booster shots, remains voluntary.
READ: DOH: COVID-19 vaccination still not mandatory
She likewise said that making COVID-19 booster shots mandatory is unnecessary so far.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., meanwhile, is encouraging local government units to hold large-scale immunization drives for booster doses, especially as the government targets to open schools by November.
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