The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced Thursday night that a total of 61,396 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the past 24 hours.

This number raises the total number of people vaccinated to 887,697 since the start of the inoculation drive.

The country targets to vaccinate at least 50 percent of its population over the few months.

Earlier, MoHaP said the vaccine is free for all citizens and residents alike, regardless if they have health cards or none.

MoHaP, however, clarified that getting vaccinated is not compulsory. But it urged the elderly and those with chronic illnesses to get the jab.