Countering a fourth epidemic wave in September and avoiding new lockdowns, which would be catastrophic for the economy and the morale of the French people, is the government’s objective. And since the beginning of the week, the pressure is mounting.
Franรงois Bayrou took a clear stance this Sunday: “Since the first day of the epidemic, and it has earned me many controversies, I thought that the only way out was vaccination. […] I have always thought that it would ultimately end with the collective decision to make vaccination mandatory”, declared the mayor of Pau.
“Vaccination is part of life and is probably the most important medical advancement – alongside hygiene – since the beginning of time. And it was a Frenchman, Pasteur, who invented it”, he insisted.
Prime Minister Jean Castex has planned to consult the Council of State, the Constitutional Council, and the presidents of assemblies and parliamentary political groups to quickly develop a bill making vaccination against Covid-19 mandatory, at least for staff in nursing homes and hospitals. But the obligation of vaccination is also emerging for other professions. It will all depend on the behavior of the French population.
Only 57% of nursing home professionals and 64% of health establishment professionals have received at least one dose of the vaccine. This is insufficient for the French Hospital Federation, which is advocating for mandatory vaccination.
If the Council of State and the Constitutional Council give the green light to mandatory vaccination for healthcare workers, the legislation could define other professions such as teachers, daycare and preschool staff, or reception occupations.
