Italy will require COVID vaccines for people over 50

Italy’s government approved a measure Wednesday that requires all people over 50 to be vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a wave of new cases peaking almost daily due to the omicron variant.

Hours earlier, 189,000 new infections were confirmed in the nation of some 59 million people.

“We want to curb the growth of the contagion curve and pressure Italians who are not yet vaccinated to do so,” Prime Minister Mario Draghi told his cabinet ministers during a meeting on Wednesday, according to an official.

In a vote, the cabinet unanimously approved the mandate that, according to the Minister of Public Administration Renato Brunetta, places Italy at the forefront of Europe by going after those who refuse to be vaccinated and who now represent the majority of patients in intensive care wards, which are filling up fast.

Approximately 78% of the Italian population has the complete vaccination scheme against COVID-19. So far, about 36% have received a booster dose, which experts say is a crucial tool in reducing the chance that an infection will require intensive care or be fatal.

Draghi indicated that the decision to force the elderly population to be vaccinated was made out of concern that they are at greater risk of hospitalization and “to reduce the pressure on hospitals and save lives.”

At the moment, it was not announced what would be the sanction that older people who are not vaccinated would face, if any. However, Health Minister Roberto Speranza told reporters that all people aged 50 and over will be screened to see if they have a “super green pass” before entering their workplaces. Such certification is reserved for those with a full vaccination schedule or who have recently recovered from COVID-19.

The requirement to go to the workplace for the elderly vaccinated in both the public and private sectors will take effect on February 15. Presumably, the election of that date would give more time for employees to be fully vaccinated if they are not at this time.

The cabinet also decreed that all university workers must be vaccinated, regardless of their age. Currently, vaccination is required for school teachers, health sector workers and members of the armed forces and police, regardless of their age.

A requirement was also approved for all employees or clients of aesthetics and similar establishments to present a diagnostic test for coronavirus with a negative result if they are not vaccinated or have not recently recovered from the disease. The same rule will apply for stores in shopping centers, banks and post offices. Pharmacy and food store employees and their customers are exempt.

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