The Philippines has already administered 95,982,996 doses of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine nationwide, with 40,693,310 Filipinos now fully protected against the dreaded disease.

Data from the National Covid-19 vaccination dashboard as of December 10 also showed that 54,553,456 doses were used as first shots while 736,230 were for booster or additional shots.

The government targets to complete the two primary doses of at least 54 million adult Filipinos, at least 80 percent of children aged 12 to 17 years old, and booster shots for 1.6 million health care workers by the end of the year to achieve population protection.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementer, earlier said the government will aim to increase the number of fully vaccinated Filipinos up to 77 million by the end of the first quarter next year and up to 90 million by the second quarter.

The government reminded the public to avail themselves of booster shots six months after receiving their second doses or three months for those who received the single-dose Janssen jab.

Senior citizens and adults with comorbidities have priority lanes in vaccination centers.

The goal toward ending the pandemic will be intensified when the second leg of the nationwide inoculation drive “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” is held from December 15 to 17. (PNA)