France has suspended about 3,000 health workers because they have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
A new rule, which came into force on Wednesday, made vaccination mandatory for the country's 2.7 million health workers, care home and fire service staff.
French Health Minister Olivier Véran said most of the suspensions are temporary.
Mr. Veran said many of the workers are now agreeing to get vaccinated.
The rule applies to all doctors, nurses, office staff and volunteers.
President Emmanuel Macron first gave workers notice of the rule change on July 12, warning them that they needed to get at least one jab by September 15 or resign.
With the mandate now in place, and thousands still refusing to get the vaccine, there are fears of a disruption to health care services.
In one hospital in Nice, southern France, almost 450 workers have been suspended - sparking protests outside the building.
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