More than four million coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine doses have been administered nationwide, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday, May 26.

DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said the total number of administered vaccines is 4,495,375. Of the figure, 3,466,314 people received their first dose so far; while 1,029,061 got their second dose already.

“We are all happy that we have reached the 4-million-mark,” said Cabotaje during a public press briefing.

“Karamihan po ng ating nabakunahan, iyong tinatawag nating priority A1...So nagpapasalamat tayo sa lahat ng tumulong at tumutulong pa para isulong iyong ating pagbabakuna (Most of those who have been vaccinated are under what we call the priority A1 ... So we are grateful to everyone who is helping to advance our vaccination),” she added.

Of those who have received their first dose, 1,340,337 are health workers, 1,174,191 are senior citizens, 941,091 are persons with comorbidities, and 10,695 are essential workers.

For the fully vaccinated individuals, 581,797 are healthcare workers, 195,952 are senior citizens, 250,777 are people with comorbidities, and 535 are essential workers.

Cabotaje encouraged eligible individuals to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Importante that you are protected. There are studies which show that some of the vaccines have already been improved to cover some of the variants. Basta nagpabakuna ka, there is protection already even with just one dose, tapos nabo-boost ito when you have your second dose (It is important that you are protected. There are studies which show that some of the vaccines have already been improved to cover some of the variants. As long as you get vaccinated, there is protection already even with just one dose, and it is boosted when you have your second dose),” she said.

“Kung protektado ka na (If you are already protected), the likelihood that you will get sick is very minimal,” she added.