"Unvaccinated Individuals to Pay 140,000 KRW Fine Monthly"…Greece Introduces World's First Mandatory Vaccination Policy

Greece Implements Mandatory Vaccination for Specific Age Group for the First Time

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] The Greek government is the first in the world to implement a strict COVID-19 vaccination mandate for seniors aged 60 and over.

On the 30th of last month (local time), Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that those aged 60 and above who refuse vaccination will be fined 100 euros (approximately 134,000 KRW) monthly starting mid-January.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis explained, "The tax revenue collected from fines will be used to improve the healthcare system, which is struggling due to the surge in confirmed cases." This vaccination mandate is interpreted as a measure to prevent the collapse of Greece's healthcare system.

Although the vaccination rate among those aged 60 and over in Greece is 83%, many seniors develop severe symptoms when infected with COVID-19, resulting in a shortage of hospital beds.

Photo by Yonhap News

Prime Minister Mitsotakis described the decision as "tortured" but said, "Even if it temporarily displeases people, I felt a duty to stand on the side of the most vulnerable. It is encouragement, not oppression."

While many countries worldwide, including those in Europe, have implemented indirect vaccination mandates through vaccine passes, Greece is the first country to enforce a vaccination mandate for a specific age group.

Currently, Greece restricts unvaccinated individuals from entering public buildings, shops, restaurants, banks, and other places. Unvaccinated people must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate to access these locations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.