(Mar. 25, 2021) On March 15, 2021, Israel became the first country to have fully vaccinated more than half its population using the Pfizer vaccine. Vaccinated Israelis and those who have recovered from COVID-19 may apply to the Ministry of Health (MOH) for a certificate of vaccination or a certificate of recovery, as well as for a “green pass.”
Vaccination Certificate
According to the MOH, people who have received a second vaccine dose may apply for a vaccination certificate “through the Traffic Light website, or through interactive voice response, or through the HMOs. Soon it will be possible to apply to the Ministry of Health Hotline.” The certificate will be in effect one week after receiving the second dose and will expire after six months, unless extended for the same period. The MOH website clarifies that “the vaccination certificate is a personal document, and cannot be transferred to another person. The certificate is valid only when presented together with identification documents (identity card, passport, driver’s license).”
Certificate of Recovery
A person who has recovered from COVID-19, and who “is not allowed to be vaccinated because of a past COVID-19 infection,” may apply online for a certificate of recovery. The MOH may issue the certificate after the passage of at least 10 days from the date of a person’s first positive (or borderline positive) coronavirus test, and within seven days of confirmation of infection. A condition for issuance is that the applicant has not experienced the following symptoms for three days or longer: fever, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, cough or any other respiratory symptom, vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms of “nose discharge as a single symptom, loss of taste or smell and ongoing cough,” however, will not prevent receipt of a certificate of recovery.
Green Pass
Vaccinated persons and those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be eligible for a green pass. The green pass is an entry permit to places or facilities for recovered coronavirus patients and vaccinated people. It is valid for six months from the second vaccination and until June 6, 2021, for those who have recovered from COVID-19. The green pass may be uploaded as an app or printed out and should be displayed when entering businesses that were approved under government resolutions. Currently such businesses include gyms, swimming pools, restaurants, hotels, and sporting and cultural events. Minors who are not green pass holders, however, may enter hotels upon presenting negative coronavirus test results taken within 48 hours before arriving in the hotel.