Thousands of people held protests in Budapest against COVID-19 vaccination at a rally organised by the far-right Our Homeland Movement, which has been campaigning on a fierce anti-vaccine and anti-immigration message ahead of April 3 elections.

Hungary's government has made COVID-19 vaccines mandatory only for teachers and healthcare workers.

With 10 million people and 40,237 people deaths from COVID-19 so far, Hungary has a vaccination rate of just over 60 percent, which lags western European levels.

Just over six million Hungarians have received at least two shots, and 3.3 million have also received a third booster.

New infections surged this week due to the Omicron strain but there are hardly any restrictions in place. The government now offers a fourth jab after a consultation with a doctor and a six-month gap.

(With input from agencies)