In order to effectively protect the population, a much higher vaccination rate is necessary than ever before. This is what the top scientists of France say. Only half the citizens there are vaccinated.

French scientists believe that a vaccination rate of up to 95 percent may be needed to control the delta version of the coronavirus. “If 90 to 95 percent of the population is not vaccinated and infected, we will not be able to control the epidemic,” the government’s scientific advisory board said on Friday. Given the increasing number of cases, “a fourth wave could quickly emerge related to the delta variant with implications for the health system”.

In France, only about half the population has received the first dose of the vaccine, 40 percent have been double vaccinated. The government aims to fully vaccinate two-thirds of the population by the end of August.

it might be too late to wait

“If people wait for vaccination after the summer holidays, it will be too late,” said RTL broadcaster Arnaud Fontanet, epidemiologist and advisory board member. The delta variant, which is known to be more contagious, is already responsible for half of all new coronavirus infections in France.

The government is expected to introduce mandatory vaccinations for health and nursing staff in the near future, and a special session is planned for Monday. On Monday evening, President Emmanuel Macron wants to explain on television the new measures in the fight against the Delta variant.