Greece’s Vaccination Certificates Invalid from Feb 7 Without Booster

Photo source: European Commission / Photographer: Savo Prelevic

Greeks who were vaccinated seven months ago and have not received a booster shot against Covid-19 will no longer be able to use their vaccination certificates to enter restaurants, bars and other establishments, health authorities said this week as Greece pushes forward with its vaccination drive in the midst of Omicron.

More specifically, people vaccinated with a two-dose vaccine will need to renew their vaccination cycle with a booster shot as will those with a single-dose vaccine seven months after the last jab. The deadline was pushed back to February 7 due to the snow storm last month.

According to the health ministry, 87.2 percent of those eligible for a booster have either completed it or booked an appointment.

It should be noted that if the vaccination certificate is not renewed, it will be invalid and holders will have to present a negative PCR or rapid test result in order to be allowed into shops, restaurants, hair salons, private and public work spaces, educational facilities (schools, universitas), churches and temples.

Greece’s Prometheus vaccination center in the northern Athens suburb of Maroussi. Photo source: @PrimeministerGR

Meanwhile, Greek residents over 60 who have not been vaccinated and had not booked an appointment by the end of January now face fines of up to 100 euros for every month they don’t get the jab.

It should be reminded that the Covid-19 recovery certificate is valid in Greece for a period of three months (90 days).

Greece has seen an increase in the number of Covid-related deaths in the last few days, reporting 103 deaths and 24,308 infections in the last 24-hour period.

Health Minister Thanos Plevris reiterated that health care employees including doctors who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 with at least the first dose by March 31 will be suspended.