France and Italy are moving ahead with new measures to pressure the unvaccinated to get their Covid-19 jabs, showing how some European countries are taking a more coercive approach as they race to curb an Omicron-driven surge of infections.

While Italy has opted to make immunisation required for anyone over the age of 50, France will instead turn its “health pass” system into a “vaccine pass”. A negative test will no longer suffice to access bars, restaurants and other social activities.

With infection rates hitting record highs in many European countries, governments are grappling with ways to convince hesitant citizens to get immunised against Covid-19 in a bid to keep economies open and relieve the pressure on health systems. Many have already required immunisation for workers in healthcare and facilities for the elderly, as well as other public sector employees.