The Kingdom had vaccinated a total of 3,715,751 people aged 18 and over as of June 24, or 37.16 per cent of the targeted 10 million, according to the Ministry of Health.

The ministry said the number would have been higher if 58,033 people had not been rejected due to health problems.

Ministry spokeswoman Or Vandine said on June 22 that the number of vaccinees would reach four million in a week, or sooner if the government-procured shots arrive as scheduled.

Vandine said vaccination helps prevent Covid-19 patients from developing severe symptoms, reduce hospitalisations and deaths. She said vaccination must be accelerated in order to minimise transmission.

The Kingdom launched it vaccination campaign on February 10.