Instead of resorts being locked down despite fears about variants and countries looking to revive their struggling tourism industries, vacationers are now getting vaccinations. This is all part of an effort maintain momentum in campaigns against the pandemic which has claimed more than 1,000,000 lives across Europe, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
Health authorities aim to make the COVID-19 shot as important as sunscreen and shades this summer, from France's Mediterranean coast to the sun-kissed Russian Black Sea resorts to the azure waters off Italy's Adriatic shores.
This new trend to sell shots to tourists is an adaptation to Europe's annual summer migration. It makes it seem like whole cities are empty for several weeks. These long absences pose a challenge to many European countries, where the public health system often focuses on delivering vaccines based on where people live.
Europe on vacation but not for vaccinations
Europe is enjoying its famed summer vacation season. However, efforts to immunize people against the coronavirus will not be slowing down.
Instead of resorts being locked down despite fears about variants and countries looking to revive their struggling tourism industries, vacationers are now getting vaccinations. This is all part of an effort maintain momentum in campaigns against the pandemic which has claimed more than 1,000,000 lives across Europe, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
Health authorities aim to make the COVID-19 shot as important as sunscreen and shades this summer, from France's Mediterranean coast to the sun-kissed Russian Black Sea resorts to the azure waters off Italy's Adriatic shores.
This new trend to sell shots to tourists is an adaptation to Europe's annual summer migration. It makes it seem like whole cities are empty for several weeks. These long absences pose a challenge to many European countries, where the public health system often focuses on delivering vaccines based on where people live.
The UK, where 70% of adults are already fully vaccinated is now focusing its campaigns on the younger generation. There are walk-in clinics in parks and a DJ at Tate Modern. Also, shots are available for music lovers at Latitude Festival.
Mickael Bomard is a Parisian who took his 15-year-old son Nolan, from Le Plessis-Robinson, to a squat just meters from the Mediterranean at Carry-le-Rouet. This popular vacation spot is near Marseille.
Bomard stated, "Given all the precautions that are taken now and the obligations when school begins again in September,"
Agnes Gatto (a nurse who manages the vaccination center) says that about 200 people receive shots each day at the center.
France has a unique rule that requires anyone who wants to visit public places such as casinos, Eiffel Tower, and cinemas that they have been fully vaccinated or tested negative for coronavirus or recovered form COVID-19 to obtain a pass. From next month, the measure will be extended for restaurants and cafes. This is why more people are taking a chance on the arm.
Bomard was forced to take Nolan.
