Corona virus worldwide: Austria suspends compulsory vaccination – examination in three months – knowledge
The compulsory vaccination has actually been in effect since the beginning of February. From March 15, anyone who refuses has had to expect fines of up to 3,600 euros.
The expert commission emphasizes that after an increasingly relaxed summer, an autumn characterized by new variants could follow. “The basic obligation to vaccinate as a proven means of ensuring a high vaccination rate is still usefulto avoid overloading the healthcare system,” writes the commission. But it depends on the time of the vaccination. If you vaccinate too early, a significant part of this newly acquired immunity will be lost.
In general, a later implementation of the vaccination requirement is preferable to an immediate one, experts continue to die. In any case, there is a certain possibility “that in the light of new scientific findings, it will no longer be necessary to implement compulsory vaccination or that even better vaccines are available.”
Austria was a pioneer in the EU with the move. Other countries only had age-specific regulations. The vaccination rate in Austria is around 70 percent. The introduction of compulsory vaccination remained in Austria practically ineffective. Since the beginning of February, only 26,000 previously unprotected people have been vaccinated against the corona virus.
The omicron variant continues to ensure high numbers of infections. The seven-day incidence is 2,500 per 100,000 inhabitants, about twice as high as in Germany. Almost all corona restrictions were recently lifted because the situation in the clinics is considered stable. (dpa)