Fines Force Seniors in Greece to Rush and Get Vaccinated Against Covid-19

Senior citizen at vaccination center in Athens.

Greek residents over 60 rushed to get vaccinated before the end of January, when fines reach 100 euros for every month they don’t get the jab against Covid-19.

According to Deputy Health Minister Mina Gaga, 220,000 people booked an appointment for vaccination in the last 45 days since the announcement of mandatory vaccination and penalties. This means that 90 percent of the 60+ age group will now be vaccinated against the deadly virus.

Referring to vaccination rates, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the government’s strategy was “especially successful. We have increased the rates of vaccination by more than 15 percentage points”.

Still, 310,000 people remain unvaccinated.

Photo source: European Union / Photographer: Thomas Kienzle

At the moment and until January 31:

– over-60s who have not booked to get the first dose of a vaccine against Covid will have to pay 50 euros in January and as of February 1, 100 euros for each month they do not get the jab.  

– all Greece residents born before December 12,1961 are required by law to have booked at least the first dose of a vaccine by January 16, 2022. Those who have been infected with coronavirus are exempt for a period of 90 days. After that they too must be vaccinated.

– all citizens aged 18 or over will not be able to use their vaccination certificate (and have access to indoor spaces, travel, etc) if seven months have passed since their last dose.

In view of high infections rates countrywide, Greek authorities have been pushing for vaccination as a large parts of the population still refuse to be vaccinated. In the last 24-hour period, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) reported 95 deaths and 10,783 new Covid-19 cases.

All About the Covid-19 Vaccine Fine

The Covid-19 vaccine fine is paid to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and failure to do so will mean that users will not be able to issue tax clearance. 

It will be imposed on the 16th of each month through an individual’s social security number (AMKA) on the TAXISnet platform under the debts category.

Individuals can also find out whether they have been fined on the government vaccination platform here. 

Individuals over 60 who are foreign citizens or who can prove health reasons for not getting the jab (approved by a three-member public health committee) have the right to object here with their AMKA number.

It should be noted, that 100-euro Covid fines will not be deducted from salaries or pensions, said Deputy Digital Governance Minister Georgios Georgantas. He added that fines collected will go toward public health system needs.

Additionally, exempt from mandatory vaccination are:

– individuals who have been infected and for a period of 90 days from recovery

– individuals who have applied for vaccination at home and have not been vaccinated yet

– individuals who have been vaccinated abroad. For more go here. 

– individuals who have documented health reasons that do not allow vaccination. In this case, the request for exemption must be submitted by a medical doctor. If the request is rejected, they will be required by law to have booked at least the first dose of vaccination by January 28.