The possibility of vaccine passports is a hot topic and it has certainly divided opinion among you, our readers, as the merits they would have for a return to a normal society are weighted against the impacts the passports may have on our civil liberties.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government recently held a review into the possible use of vaccine passports as a measure to safely reopen society.

That review found they could “potentially play a role” in settings such as theatres, nightclubs and mass events, and might also be used in pubs and restaurants to reduce social distancing restrictions.

The potential use of certificates – which would include vaccination status, test results or evidence of someone having contracted and recovered from Covid-19 – is opposed by at least 40 Conservative MPs, and Labour is also sceptical about the measure.

So we put it to you. The Impartial Reporter asked our Facebook followers for their opinion and it was very mixed.

More than 1,800 people commented on a post that asked: “Would you welcome a vaccine passport in Northern Ireland if it meant you could go on a foreign holiday or get to go to the pub?”

Pamela Young said: “Definitely. At least for a year or two until we have nailed Covid.

“A lot of investment has been made trying to keep people safe and if this is deemed necessary, we should go along with it. Wearing seatbelts saved a lot of lives.”

Declan Sweeney said: “Yes, if it opens things up again and you have had the vaccine, then what’s the problem?

“If you decide not to have the vaccine for whatever reason, then why spoil it for others? To have [it] or not is a life choice that everyone has to make for themselves.”

Many compared the likes of a coronavirus vaccination card to receiving vaccinations against tropical diseases when travelling abroad.

Patricia Duffy said: “I have travelled to various countries in the past where I had to carry a card as proof that I had been vaccinated against diseases. I can’t see a difference in carrying proof of vaccination against Covid.”

Gavin Dean said: “Listen – vaccine or no vaccine, it doesn’t really matter. It’s [such a ‘passport’] coming ... You want to travel, you will need to show proof that you have been vaccinated. No different to back when you needed to show proof of Malaria or Yellow Fever [vaccinations].”

Some readers were concerned about how this could disproportionately affect the younger generation.

Ruth Johnston said: “Younger folk may not get a chance to be vaccinated for some time, so they (who could do with getting a bit of freedom) would be barred, while the ‘oldies’ like me would get to enjoy more things sooner!

“Penalising younger folk again. And I don’t want a foreign holiday, anyway! Just a humane way of life locally, freedom for children and young folk and to care for the elderly.”

Others were concerned about the measure and how it would impact them and their freedom.

Kelly Orr said: “ No, people have the right to choose.”

Aoibhinn Campbell said: “No, no, no, people are entitled to their freedom. They should not need a passport. This is madness.”

Mary McCabe said: “Major changes like these should be done via referendum. One person cannot take a decision that affects so many.”

Victoria McConnell Kelly said: “No, I’ll continue to sit in the house. Well used to it now.”

Many were concerned how this would affect those who cannot take the vaccine, such as pregnant people or those who are allergic to its ingredients.

Ella Russell contributed: “There would need to be something in place for people who cannot have a vaccine.”

The debate is sure to rumble on as society and the policy-makers at Government attempt to return us to some degree of normality while trying to keep the deadly coronavirus at bay.