HALFWAY through the first 100 days of the Marcos administration, only 7.5 percent of the 23 million coronavirus disease (Covid-19) booster shots target has been reached by the Department of Health (DOH).

In a press conference on Friday, DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said a total of 1,729,547 individuals have been administered booster shots under the "PinasLakas Campaign."

"We only have 1,729,547 accomplishments. This is only around 7.5 percent of our 23-million target by October 8," said Vergeire.

"Unfortunately, our accomplishments are still far from our target," she added.

In July, the DOH said that the Marcos administration has set a target of 23 million booster doses for vaccination during its first 100 days.

Vergeire said there is a need to increase the booster shot coverage in the country amid the waning immunity being provided by the primary vaccine series.

"Based on our assessment, hospital admissions may rise by September or October if the uptake on first booster shots remains low," she said.

Vergeire said this is the reason why they continue to partner with local government units and the private sector in making booster shots more accessible to the public.

"We continue to enhance our strategies so that we can encourage more people to get their 1st booster shots," said Vergeire.

Based on DOH data, there are already 72.3 million Filipinos that are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19 since the immunization rollout began in early 2021.

More than 17.3 million eligible individuals have also been able to receive their first booster shots.

The DOH said over 1.9 million individuals have already received their second booster shots. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)