French health agency Haute Autorité de santé (HAS) approved on Thursday COVID-19 boosters for people over the age of 18. Unlike most other national authorities that have authorized boosters after six months, the HAS recommends that booster shots be administered as early as five months after the original vaccination. France has already approved boosters for those aged 40 and older. The HAS argued that the “worrying” pandemic trends warrant the acceleration of the vaccination campaign. It also stressed the importance of immunizing the population that has not yet been vaccinated, as well as maintaining other measures “in order to preserve the healthcare system and avoid restrictions.”
Italy introduces restrictions for unvaccinated people
The Italian government announced on Wednesday new measures for those that have not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, which will come into power on December 6 and remain active until at least January 15. The green pass, which shows that one has either received the jab, tested negative for the disease, or recovered from it, will be mandatory for using public transport. Furthermore, those that have not been vaccinated will not be able to enter areas such as cinemas, restaurants, hotels, and gyms. The authorities also ruled the booster jabs of treatments against COVID-19 will be mandatory for health workers, school, police, and military staff.
Netherlands to introduce tougher COVID measures
Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge warned on Thursday the Netherlands will have to introduce stricter measures to stem the rise in COVID-19 infections, as the current restrictions have proven to be ineffective. The cabinet is set to announce the changes on Friday. According to Dutch media reports, the measures will include shorter business hours for bars, restaurants and non-essential shops and services, which will be required to close at 5 pm. Health officials are allegedly divided on school closures, although they indicated they would prefer to keep schools and universities open.