Italy's mandatory health pass not boosting jabs as hoped, data shows

ROME - Italy's attempt to boost vaccinations by making a contested health pass necessary to go to work is not having the desired effect, data shows. Prime Minister Mario Draghi's government decreed last month that from Oct. 15 any worker who fails to present the so-called "Green Pass" will be suspended without pay, hoping to convince "no-vax" Italians to have the jab.

Public Administration Minister Renato Brunetta said when the measure was announced on Sept. 16 that it would trigger such an "enormous" acceleration of vaccinations that its goal could be largely achieved before it actually came into force.

This "announcement effect" has not materialised.