The government has encouraged the public to complete their two-dose coronavirus vaccination following reports that thousands have missed their second inoculation.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque issued the reminder after emphasizing that it was crucial not to skip the second dose of the vaccine in a bid strengthen a person's protection against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Yung mga hindi pa nakakuha ng pangalawang bakuna, huwag kayong mag-alala puwede pa rin kayong kumuha ng inyong pangalawang bakuna (To those who have yet to receive their second shot, do not worry. You may still receive the second shot)," Roque said during a televised press briefing during the vaccine rollout for essential workers Monday, June 7.
"Hinihikayat namin kayo na kunin ang pangalawa dahil hindi sapat ang proteksyon kung iisa lang bakuna ang natanggap ninyo (We urge you to get the second dose because getting just one shot won't be enough to give you protection)," he added.
The government task force in charge of addressing the pandemic recently confirmed that around 113,000 people missed their second dose of coronavirus vaccine. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said these vaccine recipients had "valid reasons" for skipping the second dose, including medical issues.
Of the 5.9 million doses administered by the government, 1.5 million people mostly health workers and seniors have been fully vaccinated in various vaccination sites as of June 6. The interval between the two doses of different vaccine brands varies from three weeks to 12 weeks.
The country's essential workers, initially those working outside their homes in Metro Manila and eight other high COVID-risk areas, will be next in the vaccination line this month.
President Duterte earlier lauded the start of the mass vaccination and appealed to vaccinated persons to keep following health measures such as wearing masks, frequently wash hands, and observe physical distancing.
Duterte, 76, received his first shot of the Sinopharm vaccine early May to protect himself from the virus and encourage other people to get vaccinated. Asked about the President's second inoculation, Roque said he would still ask the President about the matter and update the public.