Bahrain: "Vaccination Completion Revoked If Booster Shot Not Received"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Middle Eastern country Bahrain is restricting access to theaters, attendance at meetings, and more for those who have not received a booster shot. Those who do not get an additional vaccination are effectively being penalized.

On the 16th (local time), CNBC reported, "The Bahraini government has changed the vaccination certificate badge color from green to yellow for those eligible for a booster shot who have not received the additional dose."

Bahrain introduced a digital vaccine certificate in the form of a smartphone app early this February. Unvaccinated individuals receive a gray badge, those with the first dose a red badge, those with the second dose a yellow badge, and those fully vaccinated with two doses plus two weeks receive a green badge.

Bahrain is currently administering booster shots to those aged 18 and over who received their second AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine dose more than six months ago. Since starting booster vaccinations on the 1st, the badge color for those who have completed the initial vaccination but have not received the booster has changed to yellow. Without a green badge, access to theaters, indoor sports events, and meetings is restricted.

Israel has also been restricting access to public places for those who have not received a booster shot since the 3rd. The Israeli government has invalidated the existing immunity certificate "Green Pass" issued to those with two doses and is issuing new Green Passes only to those who have received a booster shot at least one week prior.

While Bahrain and Israel are effectively requiring booster shots for all individuals aged 18 and over, health experts believe that booster shots are necessary only for certain groups such as the elderly and immunocompromised.

Experts told CNBC, "Based on the data available so far, it cannot be concluded that all healthy adults need a booster shot," adding, "This is an inappropriate measure given the current pandemic situation."