New French vaccination drive sees jabs by the beach

France has begun a new push to vaccinate its citizens amid government plans to stop people using restaurants and public transport unless they have a pass showing they're protected against COVID-19. Demand for vaccinations has risen since President Emmanuel Macron's announcement that from next month, people will need special COVID passes to go to bars, restaurants and shopping malls, and to board trains and planes.

To get a COVID pass, people must show they are either fully vaccinated, have tested negative, or can prove they recently recovered from the virus. The new drive now extends to youngsters from the age of 12, with schools launching vaccination campaigns from September.

At the seaside resort of Carry-le-Rouet, near Marseille, people queued for jabs at a vaccination centre on the beach, set up to attract domestic tourists. About 200 injections are being offered in the centre every day for holidaymakers and local residents alike. Advance appointments aren't necessary.

French tourist Mickael Bomard said he and his wife decided to get their teenage son vaccinated at the beachside facility as soon as they heard there were slots available. After a slow start, France's vaccination campaign has gathered pace in recent months. 58.5% of people eligible for the jab have had one shot, and 48.6% have had both shots. The country's death toll from the virus stands at more than 111,000.