Compulsory vaccination debate: These are the rules in Germany’s neighboring countries

Shortly before the renewed round of crises by the federal and state governments on Thursday, urgent tightening of the rules comes under the pressure of rapidly increasing numbers of infections. More and more federal states are switching to 2G in areas of public life. The campaign for booster vaccinations is rolling and the critical situation is fueling the debate about compulsory vaccination for certain professional groups.

While Germany is still discussing the pros and cons, in other countries there is already an obligation for health and nursing staff as well as for employees in the public sector. It is usually associated with threats of fines, suspension or dismissal. An overview.

France

After the number of infections in France rose sharply in early summer, President Emmanuel Macron announced in July that health professions and parts of the public sector were required to have vaccinations. From mid-September, the staff in hospitals and care facilities as well as employees of the rescue services and fire brigade had to show at least one vaccination dose, and from mid-October complete vaccination protection. Around 2.7 million employees were affected by the measure. The French Ministry of Health announced in mid-October that the majority had adhered to the requirement, but that around 15,000 people had meanwhile been suspended without continued pay.

The government is also putting pressure on booster vaccinations. As of December 15th, all senior citizens’ health passes who do not provide evidence of a third vaccination lose their validity. People over 65 years of age then have to show negative tests or a proof of recovery in the restaurant, cinema or theater a maximum of 48 hours old.

Belgium

In view of the significantly increased corona numbers, Belgium launched a mandatory vaccination for health workers on Monday. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke told the Flemish broadcaster VRT that the “overwhelming majority” of care workers were already immunized. “But it cannot be that there is still a small minority that has not been vaccinated.”

According to the Minister, every employee in the Belgian nursing sector should be fully vaccinated by April 1 of next year. Otherwise there is a threat of suspension from service. The text of the law still has to be discussed by the entire cabinet and then goes to the State Council, which only has an advisory role.

Austria

In Austria, a nationwide lockdown for unvaccinated people has been in effect since Monday. They are currently only allowed to leave their homes to go shopping for groceries or other essential goods, to play sports or if they need medical help. Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) also announced mandatory vaccination for employees in the health and care sector, but has not yet given a date. In Austria, citizens can prove their vaccination status with the “Green Passport”. However, this expires nine months after the full vaccination. Afterwards a refresher is necessary.

Italy

Nursing staff, doctors and pharmacy workers have had to be vaccinated in Italy since April. Hundreds of medics who refused to be vaccinated have since been suspended. In mid-October, the compulsory vaccination was extended to employees in old people’s homes. The “Green Pass” was also introduced in October for the entire world of work. With the digital or printable document, people can prove that they have been vaccinated, tested or recovered. The 3G rule therefore applies to the workplace: If you don’t follow it, you can expect a fine.

In the coming days, the government wants to decide on a mandatory booster vaccination for the health sector. “We have no time to lose,” said Health Minister Roberto Speranza. So far, only around 30 percent of employees have received the booster dose.

Greece

In Greece, the corona vaccination became compulsory for staff in old people’s homes in mid-August, and it came into force in the health sector on September 1. Without a vaccination one is sent on unpaid leave. The rate is now more than 95 percent. But that also means: Almost five percent are still unvaccinated and exempted. Around 5,300 state employees are affected, including almost 450 doctors.

Since mid-September, all unvaccinated workers have also had to show a negative corona rapid test twice a week – at their own expense – when they go to work. Those who do not do quick tests can expect a hefty fine. Employers also face fines.

Latvia

In Latvia, compulsory corona vaccination was established for certain occupational groups as early as the summer: employees of medical, social and educational institutions must show a vaccination certificate from December 15th. The same applies to employees in the public sector and those who are in direct contact with customers or larger groups of people.

Employees who do not comply with the vaccination requirement can be fired by companies. All professional soldiers who are not fully vaccinated against Corona also risk their release. Due to the high number of infections, the country went into lockdown again for four weeks in mid-October.

Slovenia

Slovenia has introduced compulsory vaccination for civil servants. Since October 1, the around 31,000 employees have either had to recover from the coronavirus or be vaccinated. Those who refuse a vaccination and cannot work in the home office risk their job.

Hungary

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that nursing staff would be required to be vaccinated in mid-July. In addition, the government decided in mid-October to allow employers to request proof of vaccination from their employees. Such a requirement should also be made possible for state employees, said Chancellery Minister Gergely Gulyás.

Russia

With the beginning of summer and the increasing number of infections, the Russian government introduced compulsory vaccination for medical staff, teachers and employees of public institutions. In order not to cause popular dissatisfaction, the Kremlin shifted responsibility to the individual regions. In Moscow, for example, the health department initially prescribed a vaccination quota of 60 percent for medical staff, but the quota has now been increased to 80 percent. In other regions, without exception, everyone who does not have a medical certificate must be vaccinated. A refusal is considered a possible reason for dismissal.

Great Britain

In the UK, the rules differ from one part of the country to another. In England, vaccination is already mandatory for staff in nursing homes – a transition period expired at the beginning of November. According to estimates by the UK media, up to 50,000 workers have missed this deadline. You are now threatened with transfer or dismissal.

From April 2022, this should also apply to employees with patient contact of the National Health Service NHS. This means that NHS staff have until April 1 to be fully vaccinated. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland there are currently no corresponding regulations.

United States

In the United States, the battle for compulsory vaccination is being fought in court. In September, President Joe Biden announced compulsory vaccination for all federal agency employees, government contractors, state-sponsored nursing homes, and federal government-controlled schools. The relevant order was overridden by a New Orleans appeals court last weekend over constitutional concerns. The dispute is now entering the next round in court.

Regardless of this, several US states have already made vaccination compulsory for certain groups of people, such as hospital staff, police and fire fighters. California recently even introduced vaccination lights for school children. A growing number of companies are also making their workforce compulsory – for example the drugstore chains CVS, Chevron, Disney and Goldman Sachs.

Sources: daily News, “Handelsblatt“, with DPA

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