Topic: Green Passport

Israel has expanded its booster shot eligibility to everyone aged 12 and older, effectively requiring a third dose to maintain "Green Passport" status. This move comes despite the World Health Organization's plea for wealthy nations to prioritize first doses for poorer countries. Amy Goodman of Democracy Now reports on the low vaccination rates in Palestinian territories compared to the Israeli rollout.

Italy has implemented a "Green Pass" requirement for indoor venues including restaurants, museums, and gyms. In France, the Labour Minister announced that employees suspended for lacking a health pass would not be eligible for unemployment benefits. The segment notes that while some Italians have protested these rules as violations of civil liberties, vaccination rates in the EU have surged following the implementation of these mandates.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla described Israel as the "world's lab" due to its exclusive use of the Pfizer vaccine and rapid data collection on health and economic indexes. Israel's "Green Passport" system, which grants vaccinated citizens access to public venues, is being mirrored by the European Union. Critics worry these passports will eventually be used to track carbon footprints and other non-health behaviors.

Mickey was pulled into a secondary screening area at the Atlanta airport after being flagged by customs officials. While the specific reason for the flag remained unknown, the traveler waited with four large bags while being monitored by security for using a cell phone. Mickey eventually cleared the screening, noting that the officers were polite despite the delay.