Austria’s health minister Wolfgang Mueckstein announced Thursday that fines of about $4,070 (3,600 euros) will be imposed on all residents over the age of 14 who disregard vaccine mandates.

Austria is the first European nation to implement a vaccine mandate. The government announced last month that the mandate would be imposed in February.

Mueckstein said exceptions can be made for pregnant women, although he did stress that they should still get vaccinated.

Austria has one of the lowest vaccination rates in western Europe, with around 68% of Austrians being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“We have enough vaccines. Science gave us the possibility, the exit ticket out of this vicious circle of virus waves and lockdown discussions,” former Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told CNN. "It is a drastic measure. I would have preferred to go another way…we have a necessity to take this drastic step.”

Thousands of Austrians have expressed their disapproval of the mandate by protesting in the streets. Reuters noted how many demonstrators were holding signs that read, “I will decide for myself,” and “Make Austria Great Again."

RELATED STORIES