German lawmakers will vote on compulsory vaccination by the end of the year, new Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. Neighboring Austria already passed similar legislation earlier in November.

It is important that Germany introduce "Compulsory general vaccination" Scholz said Tuesday at a meeting between federal government officials and German heads of state. He also called on MPs to present a "Inter-faction initiative" to set things in motion and who should be "Introduced quickly. "

According to the Social Democratic Party (SPD), to which Scholz belongs, compulsory vaccination should be introduced once "Everyone has a realistic chance of being vaccinated twice." The party believes such a moment could come in early February 2022.

(With input from agencies)