Italy vaccinates more than half of population against COVID-19

Over 27.1 million people had been fully vaccinated by Monday, according to the government’s official tally, the equivalent of 50.21 per cent of the total population aged 12 and over.

Italy administered between 3.7 million and 3.9 million shots in each of the past six weeks, taking the total number of vaccinations so far to 61.5 million.

The country’s goal is to vaccinate 80 per cent of the population aged 12 and over by the end of September, or some 54.3 million people.

The campaign has used 61.5 million doses of the four coronavirus vaccines currently authorised in the country – those produced by Pfizer/BioNTech, Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Moderna and Janssen.

The vast majority of the shots currently being administered are second doses, which means that progress has slowed reaching people who have not yet had their first dose. 

That may change if the Italian government expands the use of its COVID-19 health pass, as it is expected to do this week. 

The change could make showing a digital “green pass” compulsory to access domestic flight, long-distance trains, nightclubs, gyms, sports stadiums and even possible indoor seating in restaurants. 

Italian health authorities have said that extending the health pass scheme could give unvaccinated people an extra incentive to get the jab.

According to the government’s latest weekly report, around 7 per cent of Italy’s over-80s still have not had their first jab, rising to 12 per cent for people in their 70s, 18 per cent for those in their 60s, and 26 per cent of people in their 50s.

While vaccination is compulsory for healthcare workers, at least 2 per cent have not had either dose.

Additionally, 15 per cent of people working in schools have not had their first dose, prompting some health experts to call for vaccination to also be made mandatory for teachers.

Italy reported 2072 new COVID-19 cases and seven coronavirus-related deaths in the previous 24 hours on Monday. 

Overall, Italy has had over 4.2 million coronavirus cases so far, including 46,113 active infections and 127,867 fatalities.