Enthusiasm for vaccines has risen sharply in France, from 42 percent who wanted to be vaccinated last December to 70 percent earlier this week.

Now only 14 percent of respondents in a recent survey said they would refuse a jab as it becomes increasingly clear that the only route out of lockdown is a comprehensive inoculation campaign.

Unsurprisingly, older people are less likely to oppose vaccinations, as they are more at risk. Eighty-four percent of over-65s favour jabs, falling to 55 percent of 18-24 year-olds, according to the Odoxa survey published in Le Figaro on Thursday.

Following the recent publication of studies that show a link between AstraZeneca and the chance of blood clots, especially among younger people, 71 percent of respondents expressed distrust of the British vaccine.

However, French scepticism has been best demonstrated by the finding that only six percent of respondents expect the target of all adults being vaccinated by the end of the summer to be met, as promised by President Macron.

FILE PHOTO: President Macron’s popularity has been fading as faith in jabbing campaign strengthens Reuters