PM Garibashvili says Georgia will not introduce compulsory COVID vaccination

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili says the Georgian government will never introduce compulsory COVID vaccination.

In an interview for the Georgian Public Broadcaster on November 23, Garibashvili also stated that the number of anti-vaxxers is not the fault of either the government or the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). He noted that anti-vaxxers exist not only in Georgia, but also in the leading, developed countries.

Anti-vaxxers exist in Europe, US and the leading countries across the world. The fact that such people exist  in all countries and their number is quite large, indicates that there is general skepticism in the world. Please, do not blame the head of NCDC or the Georgian government, because we [the gov’t] did everything to offer the public different vaccines”, said Garibashvili.

Garibashvili also said that he was involved in the process of drafting the COVID-19 ‘green passport’ law in order to adapt the needs of the public and existing reality.

PM Garibashvili also noted that the main task of the government should be to vaccinate individuals over 60, as they are at higher risk. He said following the introduction of 200 GEL financial incentives that the number of pensioners seeking vaccination against COVID-19 has increased in the country.

• Covid passes to come into force in Georgia starting December 1

COVID-19 ‘green passes' will come into force in Georgia starting December 1, obliging the public to present proof of vaccination, testing or recovery from COVID-19 when entering restaurants, cinemas, theaters, gyms, and other facilities.

The ‘green passport’ requirements will apply to citizens over the age of 18, as well as to tourists.