Paris, France | AFP | The French government announced this Saturday that it will open the fourth dose of the covid vaccine “to those over 80 years of age who have received the booster more than three months ago”, given the slight rebound in the epidemic.
In an interview with Le Parisien newspaper, French Prime Minister Jean Castex also strongly recommended those who “are fragile, due to their age or pathologies, to keep wearing the mask in closed places and in large gatherings.”
Although the government admitted that there is currently a drop in the number of cases, Castex ruled out a “change in strategy”, while most restrictions will be lifted on Monday, such as the covid passport.
After consulting the scientific council, Castex pointed out that the BA2 mutation is behind the “epidemic rebound”.
“It is more transmissible than the initial omicron, but it does not seem more dangerous,” he continued, supporting his conclusion on the fact that hospital pressure continues to decline.
“The improvement in hospitals and our high vaccination coverage lead us to maintain the lifting of the measures,” Castex said.
“Now we will open the fourth dose to those over 80 years of age who have received the booster dose more than three months ago, since they face a progressive loss of immunity,” he specified.
France will eliminate on Monday the obligation of the vaccination passport, which requires being vaccinated against covid to access many places.
Although its “health” version will be maintained, which also works with a negative test, in health centers such as hospitals or nursing homes.