Telegraph readers on vaccine passports: 'There is no need for them'
During a Freedom Day press conference on Monday, Boris Johnson outlined the Government’s plans to introduce vaccine passports in September for large venues, such as nightclubs.
The decision is reportedly a bid to increase Covid vaccination uptake among the young, but the move has already been heavily criticised as a disturbing start to Britain’s new normal.
Should vaccine passports be used across Britain? Read on for the best discussion points from our readers and share your own view in the comments section at the bottom of this article.
'It will lead to job losses'
@Elizabeth Kirkby:
"Our politicians are clearly inhabiting a different planet to the rest of us.
"This proposal for a mandatory Covid passport is wrong on every level. It is discriminatory. There is no justification whatsoever for it. It is unnecessary, and it will kill off any leisure establishment where it is enforced, leading to even greater job losses, with the consequent effects on the economy."
'It’s discrimination'
@Elizabeth Kirkby:
"There is no need or justification for these proposed Covid passports.
"This is undoubtedly discrimination against those who cannot, for whatever reason, have the vaccine and it is wrong on every level."
'It’s the right decision'
@Pauline Coleman:
"Vaccine passports are quite right. The young have as much interest in controlling this virus, more so than the old.
"Economic recovery is vital for their futures as is the control of a deadly disease that can devastate the world and return at will.
"Fortunately, there are intelligent adults who have invented vaccinations and created a possible exit and in the process have made important scientific discoveries which can be used in future research."
'Young people are at little risk from Covid'
@Howard Gleave:
"At what point does nudging youngsters into vaccination go beyond pushing?
"The point of vaccination is to generate antibodies that confer immunity, or at least protection. An alternative route to the same end is infection and recovery. The statistics show that young people are at little risk from Covid."
'I am for the vaccine passports'
@Patricia Nuttall:
"Last year several people around me got Covid. Six of them were in their early 30s and one was in their 70s. The degree of incapacitation varied from extremely ill in hospital to off work for several weeks.
"They all took a long time to fully recover, around two months. The worst hit was a rugby playing manual worker, who was extremely fit.
"Other family members tested positive with mild symptoms in their 50s and 60s.
"I describe all the above as it hits home. I am for the vaccine passports myself as I believe the disease needs to be totally eradicated worldwide and the vaccines have marked the turnaround for the whole world."
'You have a right to to choose'
@Lynne Docherty:
"I have had two jabs but I won’t be walking about with a vaccine passport. My brother does not want the jab and I totally support his and others’ right to choose.
"Enough people have had the vaccine now that the small number who can’t or won’t should not cause an issue."
'I have such conflicting emotions'
@Sensum Communem:
"Who knows what the right thing to do is anymore with such conflicting emotions around vaccine passports.
"All I can say is that my son, who has had one jab so far, was in London for the England vs Italy match with his friends. Subsequently, three of them are now isolating as they have Covid. None of them had received the vaccine."
'It will take hours to get into a big venue'
@John Sisley:
"It will take hours to get into a big venue if everyone has to be checked, and the cost will be appalling to the leisure industry. I just cannot understand Johnson – there must be a vote on this."
'Get jabbed and get on with your life'
@Stuart L:
"I cannot understand why people object to vaccination. As a Merchant Navy officer, I was not given any choice about being vaccinated against all sorts of diseases – without vaccination I would not have had a job.
"Would you happily go to countries where malaria is prevalent and not take precautions? To gain entry to some countries you need to provide evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.
"Get jabbed and get on with life, or don't. Your choice."
'It doesn't make sense'
@Bubo Scandiacus:
"I've always been a strong supporter of vaccination, but I'm appalled at the idea that there would be some sort of compulsion.
"It doesn't even make sense, as the primary function of the vaccines is to protect the vaccinated person from serious illness, not to stop them from giving Covid to other people."
'Why wait until September?'
@Finchley RG:
"Covid passports will come into effect for nightclubs at the end of September, because they need to work out the 'details'. No matter that the virus will continue to gaily circulate for two months. No matter that they've already had 18 months to work out the 'details'."
