The idea of making i Compulsory vaccines advances in Europe, but in no particular order. The progress of Omicron variant makes states more and more concerned. Austria was the first to untie the knot on the vaccination obligation, as well as Greece which in the meantime imposes it on the over 60s. Germany is also turning around, that the federal government should already impose further restrictions for no vaxes from December 2nd . Here are the governments ready to introduce severe measures against those who refuse vaccination.
AUSTRIA
Vienna moved first on compulsory vaccination. The Austrian government has already imposed theobligation starting from 1 February 2022 and is studying a law that provides fines very steep for those who refuse vaccination: the fine could be equal to 3600 euros which, in the event of non-compliance, could rise to 7.200 euros. The rule should enter into force as early as December and as regards the amounts should be adjusted based on income. In any case, the obligation starts for all residents of Austria over the age of 14. In fact, from this age group, parental consent will no longer be necessary to undergo the injection. Obviously, people who will not be able to undergo the vaccine for medical reasons will be exempt from the obligation.
GERMANY
Meanwhile, Olaf Scholz, Angela Merkel's heir, has not hidden that he is in favor of introducing compulsory vaccination and banning access for the unvaccinated to all commercial establishments not considered essential. The German chancellor anticipated that Parliament will express itself by the end of the year and in the event of a green light, the tightening will come into force between February and March. New rules that would add to those already in force, such as the general obligation for employees to have a health pass in the workplace from 24 November 2021 until 31 March 2022.
GREECE
Greece, on the other hand, has adopted a "softer" line. Effective January 16, 2022, it has decided to impose thevaccination obligation only for the over 60s, so as to protect the most vulnerable groups. Even in this case, for no vax there will be a fine to pay, 100 euros per month until he decides to undergo immunization. The resources will be donated to Greek hospitals to fight the pandemic. According to the Greek premier, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, "Not a punishment, but a health tax".
GREAT BRITAIN
The United Kingdom confirms itself as the most "hostile" country to any form of imposition: from the obligation of administration to the green certification, required in very rare cases such as for employees of the national health service, but whose employer cannot compulsorily request , the exhibition of the pass. Meanwhile, the British government has decided to speed up with the third dose, already available to all over 18s from the third month after the second dose.
USA
While in America, a federal judge would have blocked the obligation to vaccinate healthcare personnel established in 10 states by a Missouri judge, accusing the agency that imposed it of abuse of power.
FRANCE
In the trans-Aplpine country, the vaccination obligation is foreseen only for some categories, such as health personnel, the army, civil aviation and firefighters. Meanwhile, the French health authorities have recommended vaccination for the 5-11 age group, especially for children most at risk of developing a severe form of the disease. Furthermore, the Government is thinking of introducing the mandatory booster dose to have a valid health pass.
ITALY
The debate on compulsory vaccination is still far away in our country. Meanwhile from 6 December the new rules on the Green pass will come into force strengthened that they actually restrict many activities to those who refuse vaccination. Furthermore, according to the new decree-law 172/2021, launched by the Council of Ministers on 24 November to contain the fourth wave, the vaccination obligation has been extended to all school staff, to the defense, security and public aid sector, as well as to all employees of social and health structures. In the meantime, after the about-face on the school, Northern Italy begins to turn yellow: after Friuli also theSouth Tyrol will pass in the yellow zone from Monday. In Bolzano, the obligation to wear a mask outdoors and to wear an FFP2 protective device on public transport have already been adopted in recent days. While a large part of the country remains in the white zone, in the not too distant future Veneto also risks ending up in the yellow.
However, there are many doubts and conflicting opinions on the new Omicron variant. On the one hand, the CEO of Moderna, Stephane Bancel, stated that vaccines are much less effective against the new variant. While Scott Gottlieb, on the Pfizer board of directors, is much more confident and that three doses guarantee good protection. Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz also shares the same opinion, but warns: "these are preliminary data, it will take weeks to understand the real effect".
