43M Pinoys fully vaccinated against COVID-19 —Palace

Malacañang said Friday that 43 million Filipinos have already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Alexei Nograles said that as of December 16, the number of Filipinos fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has reached 43 million, and that 56 million have received at least the first dose.

Another one million Filipinos have also received their booster shot, he noted.

Likewise, he said that the 43 million Filipinos that are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 account for 55.78% of the target population. 

"We commend the Department of Health, the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC), the National Task Force Against COVID-19, the local government units, our private and development partners, along with our medical frontliners and volunteers, for a job well done.  This is indeed a showcase of the true bayanihan spirit.  Congratulations to all," Nograles said in a statement.

The second phase of the government's national vaccination drive dubbed "Bayanihan, Bakunahan 2" -- which was scheduled from December 15 to 17 for areas not affected by Typhoon Odette, and December 19 to 22 for affected areas -- is expected to administer seven million vaccine doses.

Earlier, the government said that it aimed to fully vaccinate 54 million Filipinos against COVID-19 by yearend.

Nograles admitted there is still a lot to be done concerning COVID-19 vaccination.

"We must not lull ourselves into complacency.  We will continue to ramp up our vaccination efforts and call on those unvaccinated to get their jabs as soon as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community," Nograles said.

"The coronavirus is still around with the looming threat of the Omicron variant.  All must comply with the 50% indoor and 70% outdoor capacity and strictly adhere to minimum public health standards, especially those attending Simbang Gabi, continue to wear face mask, maintain 1-meter physical distancing, avoid crowds and observe proper hygiene," Nograles added. —LBG, GMA News