European countries should consider giving Covid-19 vaccine boosters to all adults, the European Union's public health agency has recommended - in a significant change to previous guidance.

The head of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Andrea Ammon says priority for booster jabs should be given to people over 40 years old, with boosters given at least six months after the second dose of a Covid vaccine.

France to announce new Covid measures as infections surge

France is to announce new Covid measures tomorrow as infections surge across the country.

Spokesman Gabriel Attal said today that the government wants to strengthen social distancing and speed up vaccinations and said they are doing all they can to save the Christmas holiday season.

They also plan to tighten regulations on using the country’s health pass.

Despite this, he said the situation is likely to worsen in the coming days. The incidence rate (infections per week per 100,000 people) is expected to rise above 200 this week.

Italy considers 'super green pass' and new rules that could see restrictions on unvaccinated

Politicians in Italy are considering new Covid measures that could see restrictions on unvaccinated people.

Prime minister Mario Draghi’s government is today discussing the details of a “super green pass” for the vaccinated, reports Bloomberg.

The measures, which are being debated today, would reportedly only permit those with proof of vaccination to get into venues including cinemas and theatres. But it is understood tthe rules would still allow unvaccinated people to go to workplaces after testing negative.

Governments across Europe are considering new restrictions as cases surge across the continent. Meanwhile, Austria is bringing back a full lockdown.

Italy has also reduced the time people must wait before getting a booster dose of the vaccine from six months to five.

It comes after last month Italy introduced a digital “green pass”, required for all workers, prompting protests.