Austrian National Council approves mandatory COVID-19 vaccination

The Austrian National Council (lower house of parliament) has supported a law introducing mandatory CORONAVIRUS vaccination for the entire population from February 2022, Orf TV channel reports.

The majority of deputies voted for the adoption. For the law to come into force, it must be approved by the Bundesrat (the upper house of parliament). The vote on this issue will take place on February 3.

If the bill is passed, Austria will become the first EU country where vaccination against coronavirus will be mandatory for all persons over 18 years old, permanently or temporarily residing in its territory. For lack of vaccination, a fine of up to € 3.6 thousand is provided for them. The unvaccinated will not be fined until mid-March.

Those who have been ill with coronavirus, pregnant women and persons who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons are exempted from mandatory vaccination. The requirement will not apply to them for six months.