The Department of Health (DOH) said at least 65 million individuals in the Philippines have already completed their primary vaccination series against Covid-19.

"Sa kabuuan, 65 million or 72.28 percent ng ating target population ang fully vaccinated na (In total, 65 million or 72.28 percent of our target population are now fully vaccinated)," said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Friday, March 18.

The government is aiming to vaccinate a target population of 90 million Filipinos before the end of June.

Meanwhile, the DOH said that the 4th "Bayanihan, Bakunahan" or the national vaccination drive already reached 97 percent of its target. The DOH said they are aiming to administer 1.87 million vaccine doses during the said program.

"To date, we have now achieved 1.814 million jabs or roughly 97 percent. We are currently waiting for further data to be provided as today is the last day of NVD4 and these numbers are still subject to change," it said.

The Bayanihan, Bakunahan 4 started last March 10 and was supposed to end on March 12. However, the government decided to extend the program until March 18 to increase the vaccination coverage.

"The DOH will continue reaching out to unvaccinated Filipinos and encourage them to get vaccinated and get their booster shots to continuously protect themselves against Covid-19," said Vergeire.

Vergeire also emphasized the importance of booster shots for senior citizens and individuals with co-morbidities "since they are highly vulnerable to the risk of Covid-19."

"We are highly encouraging our A2 population (senior citizens) who have completed their primary series to get boosted and stay protected during this pandemic," she said.