The vaccination pass replaces the health pass: everything you need to know this Monday

How will the health pass become the vaccination pass? From this Monday, January 24, the vaccination pass becomes compulsory for people aged 16 and over. From now on, a negative test will no longer be sufficient to replace the pass. However, a recovery certificate will be issued to people who were infected within more than 11 days and less than 6 months. Waivers may also be provided to those starting vaccination.

A complete vaccination schedule – two doses or just one, depending on the vaccine, and a booster dose – is mandatory to benefit from it. From February 15, you will have to take a booster dose four months (and no longer seven) after your second dose for the pass to remain valid.

For those whose vaccination schedule is complete, the health pass will automatically be transformed into a vaccination pass, without having to take any additional steps. Persons aged 16 and 17 are exempt from the booster dose.

In order to encourage the population to be vaccinated, it will be possible to obtain their pass from the first dose. On the other hand, the person will have to justify a negative test dating from 24 hours maximum for it to be valid, and to commit to receiving a second dose in the following month.

Minors aged 12 to 15 will remain subject to the obligation to present the current health pass: negative Covid test, certificate of complete vaccination or certificate of recovery.

The vaccination pass will be required to access leisure activities, restaurants and drinking establishments (with the exception of collective catering), trade fairs, seminars and trade shows and interregional public transport (planes, trains, coaches).

An exception is already provided for transport: the pass is not compulsory when traveling for “compelling family or health reasons” – a dying relative for example – subject to presenting a negative test, “except in an emergency”.

For those over 12, the old health pass will suffice to access health establishments and medico-social services, whether for the sick or their companions. It will not be necessary to be taken care of in an emergency.

New measures in pass control aim to limit fraud. In addition to the police, the managers of places and activities subject to the pass, such as cafeterias and restaurateurs, will now be able to verify the identity of the pass holder by asking him “an official document” including a photograph.

Presenting a pass belonging to another person or transmitting a pass to another person with a view to its fraudulent use will be punished by a fixed fine of 1,000 euros, compared to 135 euros today. A sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros if the person has several false passes. Sanctions which could be canceled under the condition of engaging in a vaccination course.

The lack of control of the pass by the operator of an establishment open to the public will be liable from the first breach to a fine of 1,000 euros, against a sanction from the third breach currently.