Covid in Austria: Compulsory vaccination for over 18s comes into force

Available for over a year

A new law comes into force in Austria this week that makes vaccination against Covid-19 compulsory for anyone over-18. Several countries have introduced mandates for the elderly or medical staff, but this is the first nation in Europe to adopt such sweeping measures. Those who refuse to get the shot will face fines of 3,600 euros - or just over $4,000. The far right Freedom Party is campaigning against the move. BBC reporter Bethany Bell is in Vienna, and hears from people who are against the mandate, and those in support. Some see the effectiveness of the vaccine as unproven, another resigned to having it so they can travel, with a politician and a medic confident that this will save lives and prevent future lockdowns. The law is destined to end in January 2024, but some think it may be sooner. Photo: A nurse prepares a dose of Covid-19 vaccine Credit: EPA