New Jersey will give smokers access to the COVID vaccine before the general public, because they are more likely to become seriously ill with it, health officials say
- NJ is giving smokers of any age access to the COVID-19 vaccine, along with those over 65 and people with underlying health problems
- That means 2 million people were pushed to the front of the queue for the photos
- It is not clear how the state plans to verify whether a person is a smoker or not
- They are not asking non-smokers over 65 – the other qualified category – for proof of their eligibility
- Many say it is unfair that smokers in New Jersey have access to the vaccine before teachers
New Jersey is giving smokers access to the COVID-19 vaccine before the general public because, health officials say, smokers are more likely to become seriously ill and faster.
There are two million smokers in New Jersey. On Wednesday, they are eligible to receive the vaccine along with people over 65 and people with underlying health problems.
Health officials defended the decision, saying that their data prove that people who smoke fall ill more quickly with COVID than those who do not smoke.
It is not clear how they will check whether a person is a smoker or not when they show up to receive the vaccine.
To date, there has been no comprehensive study on how smokers are most affected by COVID.
In fact, initial research indicated that smokers were not negatively affected by COVID – a result that baffled scientists.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visited a COVID-19 vaccination site in Rockaway last week. As of Wednesday, smokers have access to the vaccine in NJ
Outside the Morris County vaccination site in Rockaway, NJ, Friday, January 8, 2021. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visits the opening of the Morris County vaccination site
In a statement defending New Jersey’s decision, state Department of Health communications director Donna Leusner said: ‘Nicotine is one of the most powerful addictions.
‘Smoking increases the risk of more serious illnesses. If an individual who smokes gets COVID, he or she gets sick much faster. ‘
“Smoking puts you at significant risk of an adverse COVID-19 outcome and there are 2 million smokers in New Jersey that fall into these categories,” said Judy Persichilli, commissioner for the state Department of Health, on Tuesday, when she announced the decision.
Now, 4.75 million in New Jersey are eligible to receive the vaccine.
“The state received only 500,000 vaccines. So far, it has managed more than 123,000.
The NJ Department of Health did not share the data it has on how COVID-19 affects smokers more than anyone else.
The decision was met with widespread criticism on social media
Health officials defended the decision, saying that their data prove that people who smoke fall ill more quickly with COVID than those who do not smoke.
The CDC has never shared data on how it affects smokers.
The decision to include smokers outraged many who said it was not fair that they should have access to the vaccine before teachers.
‘When will NJ teachers be eligible for the COVID vaccine? We were pushed back in line, behind 2 million smokers, ‘asked a critic after the announcement.
‘So, are you going to prioritize smokers who clearly don’t care about their health to start getting the vaccine, because now they are at greater risk after consciously choosing a bad life choice that would put them at greater risk?
“Make sense,” said another.
New York Times reporter Mark Mazzetti tweeted: ‘My parents in New Jersey are technically qualified today for the vaccine, but the state is also expanding eligibility today for … heavy smokers.
‘I hope they get in line before the guy who proves his eligibility by showing a receipt for a box of Winstons.’