Italy starts mandatory jabs for over 50s

Rome: Italians older than 50 are now obliged to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to a new law which has gone into effect.

Those not yet vaccinated were given a grace period until the end of January to do so.

From February 1, everyone who isn’t vaccinated or hasn’t received a second dose or a booster shot despite having the opportunity to do so will be fined 100 euros ($A158).

The measure is to stay in place until June 15 and applies to all residents above the age of 50, including foreigners.

From February 15, the age group will also be required to provide proof of vaccination or recovery at work and will be forced to work remotely if they cannot do so.

Employees under 50 can also provide a negative test result. Those in breach of the measures face fines between 600 and 1500 euros.

The introduction of compulsory vaccination for senior citizens had sparked mixed reactions in the country.

Many from the governing parties welcomed the measure, with Prime Minister Mario Draghi arguing that it was designed to protect an age group that was more at risk of being hospitalised when contracting COVID-19.

Beppe Grillo, founder of the Five Star Movement – Italy’s biggest parliamentary group, charged that the government’s control evoked “Orwellian images” which weigh heavily on people’s minds.

In comments carried by the La Repubblica newspaper’s Saturday edition, Giovanni Toti, president of the Liguria region, argued that the measure should have been applied to all adults.