Italy expands the number of people eligible to receive a booster vaccine as the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic ravages Europe.
Health Minister Roberto Speranza told legislators in the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday that anyone 40 years of age or older will be able to receive a booster as of December 1.
Italy already applies boosters to people 60 years and older who received their first dose of the vaccine at least six months before.
The country has not yet been as affected in the latest wave of the coronavirus pandemic as some countries in northern Europe, such as Austria and Germany, as well as several eastern European nations. The Italian authorities are working to keep it that way.
Experts especially note the high vaccination rate in Italy. Nearly 84% of those who are 12 years or older and eligible for vaccines are fully vaccinated.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Italy has also required the use of masks indoors, such as supermarkets, cinemas, churches and public transport. Other measures include the requirement starting this fall for the Green Pass vaccination certification, COVID-19 recovery or a negative test to go to workplaces. The certificate was already required to eat indoors in restaurants, as well as to attend gyms, museums and cinemas.
In announcing the expansion of booster eligibility starting at age 40, Speranza said boosters “are a key piece of our strategy to combat COVID.”
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