The Austrian bill is due to be ready by the end of this week, according to the Vienna online portal. Amputees want to be punished not only for the lack of vaccinations, but also for falsifying certificates that exempt them. Also in the latter case, the fine is 3,600 euros.
The planned changes were introduced by Health Minister Wolfgang Mikstein (The Greens) and Minister Caroline Edstadler (OeVP). The project is also supported by representatives of the opposition: the liberal NEOS and the Social Democratic Socialist Party SPOe.
The obligation to vaccinate against COVID-19 is expected to come into effect on February 1, 2022, and by February 15, all unvaccinated people will receive information about the obligation to vaccinate. However, from March 15, fines will be imposed on people who refuse to be vaccinated – from the initial fine of 600 euros up to 3,600 euros. The fine is not expected to turn into a prison sentence.
The money collected in this way is sent to hospitals. The bill excludes the use of coercion to enforce compulsory vaccinations. The vaccination requirement will be for three doses. 7.7 million Austrians over the age of 14 will be required to be vaccinated.
The draft provides for exemptions from vaccination in a few exceptions, such as those under the age of 14, pregnant women, people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, and citizens who have contracted COVID-19 in the past six months.
To issue medical certificates about contraindications to vaccination, among others, family physicians, internists, psychiatrists, dermatologists, gynecologists and pediatricians. There will be a fine of up to €3,600 for the unjustified issuance of such a certificate.
