Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol has stressed the importance of older adults getting their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots and urged them to do so as soon as possible.

He made the request Wednesday as new government showed a majority of critically ill patients in the country are over the age of 60.

Just over 22 percent of people in their 60s and older have received a booster as of Tuesday, according to the Central Disaster Management Headquarters.

The minister reiterated that vaccines prevent serious illness and save lives.

Currently, anyone in this broad age group can get a booster shot by visiting hospitals or clinics without a reservation.