President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 13 gets his fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot (Pfizer) at a public health center in Seoul's Jung-gu District. (Office of the 20th President)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong and Lee Jihae

President Yoon Suk Yeol has received his fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot and urges people to do the same.

Presidential spokesperson Kang In-sun on July 13 said in a written statement, "President Yoon visited the public health center in Seoul's Jung-gu District and got his fourth COVID-19 vaccine shot, following his third received in December last year."

Health authorities have expanded eligibility for a fourth shot, and President Yoon is seen to have gotten it to lead by example.

After receiving the shot, the chief executive said, "I'm well aware of the possibility of getting a breakthrough infection even after vaccination, but experts agree that vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severely worsening disease or death."

"I ask that many people participate."

"We will do our best to secure a sufficient supply of treatment so that people can feel safe," he added.

As of midnight that day, the number of domestic COVID-19 cases in the country was 38,858 and 338 from overseas for a combined figure of 39,196.

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Commissioner Peck Kyong-ran on June 13 told a briefing at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters that given the coronavirus's resurgence, eligibility for the fourth vaccine shot will be expanded to people aged 50 and older and those over 18 with underlying health conditions.

dusrud21@korea.kr