French Health Minister Olivier Veran said that Covid-19 booster shots would be made available to all adults from this weekend to counter a new wave of infections.

Until now they have only been available to people over 65, health workers or people with health conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to Covid-19, according to AFP.

Veran added that from January 15, people aged over 18 would need to show proof of a top-up vaccine dose to maintain a valid Covid pass, which is required to enter restaurants, bars, gyms and other public venues.

He ruled out imposing another lockdown or a curfew at this stage in the fight against a fifth wave of infections, which he described as “stronger and longer” than the previous wave this summer.