Austria to Mandate Vaccination for Adults 18 and Older Starting Next Month... 5 Million Won Fine for Unvaccinated

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Austria has announced that starting early next month, it will mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all adults aged 18 and over, imposing fines on those who remain unvaccinated, sparking controversy. As the Omicron variant spreads rapidly and COVID-19 rages on, it is expected that more countries in Europe will implement mandatory vaccination measures in the near future.

According to foreign media including AFP on the 16th (local time), Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated at a press conference held that day, "We will fully implement the mandatory vaccination system for all adults aged 18 and over starting early next month as planned," emphasizing, "After a promotional and guidance period following the implementation, enforcement will begin in mid-March, and those who violate the vaccination mandate will face fines of up to 3,600 euros (approximately 4.89 million KRW)."

Previously, the Austrian government considered mandatory vaccination measures for all citizens aged 14 and over, but during further discussions between the government and the ruling party, the age limit was raised. However, pregnant women and citizens medically recognized as unable to receive the vaccine are exempt from the mandate. Additionally, even if caught unvaccinated, fines will be deferred if the individual schedules a vaccination within two weeks.

Within Austria, the debate over the mandatory vaccination measure is intensifying. The day before, about 27,000 citizens opposing the policy gathered in central Vienna, the capital, to protest. However, except for some far-right parties, most political factions currently support the mandatory vaccination measure, making its introduction likely. The Austrian parliament is expected to pass the mandatory vaccination bill on the 20th.

If the bill passes, Austria will become the first country in Europe to implement mandatory vaccination for all adults. So far, in Europe, Italy has introduced limited mandatory vaccination for those aged 50 and over, and Greece for those aged 60 and over. Countries that have previously implemented mandatory vaccination for all adults include Ecuador, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Indonesia, and Micronesia.