Side Effects Sufferers Could Be Exempt From Booster

Israelis who had serious side effects from the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine might be eligible for a “Green Pass” without receiving a third booster shot, The Times of Israel reported on Tuesday.

Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, head of public health services at the Health Ministry, told a hearing of the Knesset Labor, Welfare and Health Committee that they are preparing to make the exception.

“We are establishing an exceptions committee for this issue,” Alroy-Preis told the MKs. “If we feel there is a need to include something in the administrative instructions [to make exceptions], we can.”

If the exceptions are approved, it would not greatly affect the overall situation.

Less than half a percent of Israelis have reported significant side effects following the first two doses. The Health Ministry said even fewer reported side effects after receiving the third dose.

As of Sunday, Israelis who have been vaccinated twice against the coronavirus more than six months ago are no longer eligible for a “Green Pass,” which grants access to many public facilities, including indoor dining. According to Health Ministry statistics, more than 1 million Israelis lost their Green Passes under the new system.

Enforcement of the new rule will begin Thursday, the high-level coronavirus cabinet decided Sunday.

The need for new passes came into effect on Sunday, as the previous ones were automatically revoked. The government, however, postponed enforcement after the online Health Ministry system crashed Sunday due to high demand, preventing many from obtaining their new permits.