Covid-19: the France will lift the obligation to vaccinate caregivers

The vaccination obligation against Covid-19 will be lifted in France for caregivers, according to the government. © BENOIT TESSIER / REUTERS

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Imposed in the midst of a health crisis, the vaccination obligation against Covid-19 will be lifted for caregivers and other professionals concerned in France. The government promised this Thursday, March 30 to follow the recommendation in this sense of the High Authority of Health (HAS).

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The France is preparing to join the many other countries that have reversed the vaccination obligation against Covid-19, such as Germany, Italy, the United States and Australia. Others, such as Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal, have never used this obligation.

In force for 18 months, the obligation to vaccinate against Covid is coming to an end. The HAS has, in fact, reviewed its doctrine and now suggests that the injection "be strongly recommended" for the professionals concerned. The change of foot is justified by a more favorable epidemic dynamic. "The number of new cases has clearly decreased," while "new variants whose virulence is less important" have appeared, explained infectious disease specialist Elisabeth Bouvet at a press conference. In this context, and with "more than 95% of health professionals" who have received at least two injections, the obligation "is no longer imposed from a scientific and medical point of view," she added.

Health Minister Francois Braun has pledged to follow this advice "quickly". The French government had opted for coercion at the end of summer 2021. In the wake of the "health pass" supposed to boost the vaccination of the population, the obligation to vaccinate was required from 2.7 million people: caregivers, but also staff of hospitals and retirement homes, ambulance drivers, home help or firefighters.

As I promised before Parliament, and as provided for by law, I will follow the scientific advice of HAS. Following consultations with representatives of health professionals, a decree will be issued to change the vaccination obligation for caregivers.

— François Braun (@FrcsBraun) March 30, 2023

A minority phenomenon, according to the government

In the absence of proof of a complete vaccination schedule (two and then three doses), a few thousand have since been suspended, without pay. "A very minority, even marginal phenomenon" for the ministry, which estimates the proportion of hospital workers still concerned "around 0.3%". Same tiny proportion on the side of the Liberals, where the Health Insurance counted less than 2,000 caregivers suspended in mid-March.

The question of their reintegration has however become a political hobbyhorse, especially for the National Rally (RN, far right) and La France insoumise (LFI, far left).

(

With AFP)

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