The Israeli Experience with the “Green Pass” Policy Highlights Issues to Be Considered by Policymakers in Other Countries

Ruth Waitzberg, Noa Triki, Sharon Alroy-Preis, Tomer Lotan, Liat Shiran and Nachman Ash
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Ruth Waitzberg: Department of Health Care Management, Faculty of Economics & Management, Technische Universität, 10623 Berlin, Germany
Noa Triki: Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel
Sharon Alroy-Preis: Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel
Tomer Lotan: Ministry of Public Security, Jerusalem 9103401, Israel
Liat Shiran: Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel
Nachman Ash: Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-9

Abstract: In the first half of 2021, Israel had been ahead of other countries concerning the speed of its rollout and coverage of COVID-19 vaccinations. During that time, Israel had implemented a vaccine certificate policy, the “Green Pass Policy” (GPP), to reduce virus spread and to allow the safe relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in a time of great uncertainty. Based on an analysis of GPP regulations and public statements compiled from the Israeli Ministry of Health website, we describe the design and implementation of the GPP. We also look back and discuss lessons learned for countries that are considering a GPP policy, given the current upsurge of the Delta variant as of summer 2021. To reduce equity concerns when introducing a GPP, all population groups should be eligible for the vaccine (contingent on approval from the manufacturer) and have access to it. Alternatively, health authorities can grant temporary certificates based on a negative test. We also highlight the fact that in practice, there will be gaps between the GPP regulations and implementation. While some places might require a GPP without legal need, others will not implement it despite a legal obligation. The GPP regulations should have standardised epidemiological criteria, be implemented gradually, remain flexible, and change according to the epidemiological risks.

Keywords: vaccine certificate; COVID-19; public health policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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