Covid France: Can I refuse vaccine for myself and family?

The Covid-19 vaccination is entirely free but is not obligatory

Published Last updated

Reader question: What are my rights to refuse the vaccination for myself and family living in France. We’ve been here for 15 years now.

The French government has repeatedly stated since discussions on the vaccine rollout began at the end of November 2020 that the Covid-19 vaccine is entirely voluntary.

There is absolutely no obligation for anyone to get it.

If you do not wish to receive the vaccination, you simply just do not book an appointment.

The vaccination campaign is only aimed at adults in France. The choice to be vaccinated is up to each individual person.

The French government is aiming to vaccinate everyone who wishes by August.

France aims to roll out Covid jab to all by end of August

It is necessary to vaccinate somewhere between 60% to 90% of the population of a country in order to create herd immunity to Covid-19. This depends on various factors including the efficacy of vaccines, how long vaccines render people immune and how many people have already been infected.

Read more:

Europe debates Covid health passports for travellers

Covid-19 vaccine in France: Your questions answered