French authorities said nearly 4 million vaccination certificates had been deactivated on Wednesday because holders had failed to comply with the new rules, which came into force on 15 February.
The latest update made by France requires all people who completed their primary vaccination more than four months ago, except those who were infected with the disease, to receive a booster vaccination for the permit to remain valid.
Even though the new rules on the validity of the vaccination permit came into force last week, the government has decided to grant a one-week grace period so that everyone can meet this requirement.
As soon as the grace period ended, all those who completed their vaccination with two doses more than four months ago, but did not receive a booster dose, woke up with the certificate deactivated.
Thus, all those whose vaccination card has been deactivated are no longer allowed access to restaurants, bars, cafes, cinemas, theaters, tourist attractions, sporting events, as well as nightclubs.
The new vaccination permit rules also affect passengers, which means that they will be denied access to all the places and events mentioned above if they do not have a vaccination card indicating that they have received an additional dose.
However, the authorities explained that the booster dose is not required upon entry into the country, as long as the primary vaccination has been completed in the last 270 days (nine months). The four-month period applies only locally in France.
The new vaccination permit rules only apply to people over the age of 18. Those under 18 are not currently required to receive the booster dose.
Data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that a total of 94,2% of the entire adult population in France has completed their primary vaccination. In addition, the same shows that 86,6% received an additional dose of vaccine.
While the rules on vaccination permits have been tightened, those for attending various public places have been relaxed. Since February 16, food and drink have been allowed in stadiums, cinemas, bars and trains. In addition, nightclubs have reopened.
It was also revealed that, starting with February 28, the masks will no longer need indoor seats that require the presentation of the vaccine permit.