Nine million people in France risk losing vaccine pass if no booster

Nine million people in France are set to lose the use of their vaccine pass on February 15 if they do not get a booster vaccine, the health minister has warned, urging people to book appointments now.

Olivier Véran today (January 25) told LCI: “There are still nine million people in France who, on February 15, if they do not receive a vaccine injection, could lose the benefit of the pass.

“That’s the main message that I want to share this morning.”

He reminded people that from February 15, the rules will change to mean that people must get a booster within four months of their last injection. If this time period elapses and they have not had the booster, their pass will expire.

He said: “We only have less than three weeks, we are in a position to be able to vaccinate everyone. And there are appointment times opening up everywhere.

“You must have had your booster [within four months of your last injection] to retain use of your pass. The law has changed this, and I think that not everyone has completely understood that message.

“Get an appointment, there are millions of appointments available nationally. Get the booster and you can relax, don’t wait until the last minute,” he said.

So far, the latest data shows that almost 54 million people have had at least the first dose of vaccine, and 30 million people have received three injections.

The health pass (pass sanitaire), which enables entry to public spaces such as restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres and sports halls, is now in most cases a “vaccine pass” (pass vaccin). Its use came into force yesterday (Monday, January 24).

Read more: France’s vaccine pass begins today: how and where will it be used?

The vaccine pass is required for anyone aged 16 and over, and shows proof of being fully vaccinated or proof of a positive Covid test taken between 11 days and six months prior.

In one exception, people who receive their first vaccine dose by February 15 can get a “vaccine pass” immediately, if they also get a negative Covid test (which will remain valid for 24 hours), and commit to getting a second dose within one month.

The existing QR codes from the previous health passes will automatically become valid vaccine passes, as will printed certificates.

Test result QR codes will, however, no longer work to enter places that require a vaccine pass.

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