The explosion of coronavirus infections that has taken place throughout Europe in recent weeks/months has brought with it the debate on compulsory vaccination. In fact, in some countries they have chosen to implement compulsory immunization to access certain places, while in others they have opted for the so-called ‘COVID passport’.
France
The French Government has preferred to avoid the obligation to be vaccinated, but imposes instead a vaccination certificate that will be necessary for many activities of social life from the end of this week, once a new law definitively adopted by Parliament on Sunday enters into force. With this law, it will be necessary to demonstrate having the complete vaccination schedule (including the booster dose seven months after the first two injections) to go to a bar, a restaurant, the cinema, a show or a stadium, but also to use long-distance public transport (buses, trains, planes or ships).
Italy
One of the European countries with the strictest measures in terms of vaccination, Italy introduced the obligation for those over 50 years of age since last January 7, a measure that was agreed with difficulties between the different political forces that support the Government of Mario Draghi. What’s more, From January 10, the complete guideline or having overcome the disease is requested to access practically all the activities, from leisure to transportation, including subways and buses. In the labor field, those under 50 still do not have to be vaccinated to go to work, except for categories such as law enforcement, school personnel and health workers.
Germany
In December, Germany approved a bill from the government of Olaf Scholz that imposes compulsory vaccination in sensitive labor sectors, such as geriatrics or health. It proposed long deadlines until the measure becomes effective, until March, in attention to the precise period to have the complete guideline. In parallel, Scholz insists on the need to implement the compulsory vaccine in a general way. However, since his government, the corresponding bill has not yet been presented. The purpose of the chancellor is that the regulation is approved with the maximum parliamentary supportregardless of party discipline.
Greece
About 300,000 Greeks over 60 will be forced to pay a fine of 50 euros for not getting vaccinated or making an appointment to do so, since this Monday the term that the government of the conservative Kyriakos Mitsotakis had given in November to this age group to be inoculated against the coronavirus expired. The fine will only be 50 euros for January, since the measure came into force in the middle of the month, but since February those over 60 years of age who still do not get the injection they will pay a fine of 100 euros for each month that they continue without doing so.
Austria
Austria was the first country in Europe to announce compulsory vaccination for everyone over the age of 18, which will begin to be applied from February 1, with the threat of a maximum fine of 3,600 euros per year. The measure, announced on November 19, has generated several massive protests since then, and has been supported by four of the five formations with parliamentary representation, all except the extreme right.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic decreed compulsory vaccination of certain public employees, such as health workers, soldiers, social workers and policemen, as well as those over 60, who should receive the serum before February 28. This measure, decreed in December by the previous government of populists and social democrats, will be reviewed in February, when the approval of a non-mandatory vaccination plan “similar to that of the flu” is expected, according to the new head of Health, Vlastimil Válek. .
Slovenia
At the end of September, the Slovenian Constitutional Court suspended a regulation that required to be vaccinated or to have passed the coronavirus if they wanted to work in person in public offices. This regulation adopted by the government of the right-wing prime minister, Janez Jansa, was to enter into force on October 1 and was appealed by the Slovenian Police Union, considering that it was a covert compulsory vaccination.
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
