Italy made Covid-19 vaccines mandatory for all health workers on Wednesday, with those who refuse facing suspension without pay. The decree, passed by the cabinet of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, is intended to prevent outbreaks in hospitals and protect patients. 

"The aim of the measure is to protect as much as possible both medical and paramedical staff and those who are in environments that may be more exposed to the risk of infection," the government said Wednesday, Reuters reported. The moves comes following a number of outbreaks in hospitals that some believe were caused or accelerated by unvaccinated health workers.