Since January 24, the vaccination pass has come into force for French people aged 16 and over, instead of the current health pass. How do the unvaccinated react?
Many unvaccinated French people oscillate between resistance and resignation, while the entry into force of the vaccine pass on Monday prohibits them from accessing most places of culture as well as bars and restaurants.
“We are waiting, hoping that the past will disappear,” summarizes Anthony*, manager of a food outlet. This 30-year-old has not received a single dose of vaccine and does not intend to receive any. “I have a 2-year-old daughter, to whom I would like to show things, like the zoo or shows,” he slips hoping.
“Contrary” to his beliefs
Since Monday, a negative test is no longer enough to enter many public spaces, with the exception of health establishments: those over 16 must provide proof of vaccination status against Covid-19 in order to have access to activities. leisure, restaurants and bars, cinemas, fairs or interregional transport.
But some stubbornly refuse to comply with the obligation to present a QR code attesting to a vaccination scheme. This is the case of Cathy Frigoli, 63, for whom getting vaccinated “would be contrary to (his) convictions of freedom to choose”. Despite this, she “dreams of a good steaming pizza served at the table” since July 24, 2021, the date of the implementation of the health pass.
“I may go get vaccinated before the summer, to be able to attend festivals,” confides Serge*, a 19-year-old student. In the meantime, “only certain places where they do not actively control the pass are still accessible to me, even illegally, in a certain way, unfortunately”, he regrets.
“Rejection of society”
Others, like Simon *, 27, do not want to use a forgery or defraud, “not to participate in this madness”. “The boycott has been going on from the start, sometimes I miss it, sometimes less,” he concludes. Currently unemployed, Simon describes himself as an “outcast of society”. He believes that “the benefit-risk balance (of the vaccine) is not viable”, and will not be vaccinated either. “I have lived almost in confinement for two years, I avoid social interactions, I only had one evening in 2020”.
“I was lucky enough to be able to enjoy my life in the past, and I agree to put it on hold to defend our fundamental values,” adds Bastien*, in his thirties.
Others choose to turn abroad, where the vaccination pass is not compulsory. This is the case of Matthieu*, a 35-year-old truck driver, living near the Spanish border. “As soon as the tests became payable (last October), I preferred to go to Spain because life is cheaper there, which ‘reimbursed’ me for the cost of the test,” he explains.
“I am ready to change countries, if the measures become too restrictive. Like many people around me, ”says Chloé Poirier, 35, who sees no point in getting vaccinated.
First dose
The constraints do indeed weigh on the non-vaccinated, like Charlène *, 50 years old. “It’s really starting to be long, and heavy in everyday life, because we don’t have visibility, an end date for all the restrictions,” she breathes, before adding: “I’m in the process of to think about taking the first dose, but it will be out of obligation”.
“I waited because I was afraid, but with the vaccination pass, I told myself that it was time. For leisure, yes, but also for health”
Others finally accepted the vaccination, like Ayoub* who received his first injection on Monday, near the Hôtel de Ville in Paris. In jogging, gray hood on his head, he leaves the vaccination center, certificate in hand. “I waited because I was afraid, but with the vaccination pass, I told myself that it was time. For leisure, yes, but for health too,” he smiles.
A few minutes later, Chanelle, a 20-year-old student, enters the center and ticks the “first dose” box on the information “shuttle card”. “My Covid recovery certificate, which I tested positive for in July, has come to an end. So I had to go for my first dose, ”she justifies, without feeling constrained by the entry into force of the vaccination pass.
Both can already benefit from a valid pass. This is what the government has promised to all those who will receive a first injection before February 15.
*Names have been changed at the request of those concerned.