New Jersey includes a very questionable category of people who are now eligible for Leah Barkoukis’ COVID-19 vaccine

New Jersey includes a very questionable category of people who are now eligible for Leah Barkoukis’ COVID-19 vaccine

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While many are relieved that the COVID-19 vaccines have finally received the green light from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), states are implementing their distribution programs very differently. And because the supply is limited, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending groups that they believe should be first in line, such as health professionals and residents of long-term care institutions.

As states begin to move on to the next stages, many question New Jersey’s decision to put smokers at the front of the line – ahead of some essential workers.

“Smoking puts you at significant risk of an adverse outcome from COVID-19 and there are 2 million smokers in New Jersey that fall into these categories,” said Judy Persichilli, Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Health, reports NJ.com.

Governor Phil Murphy announced the strict expanded eligibility guidelines on Wednesday, saying that anyone over the age of 65, or those with specific medical conditions, can start applying for reinforcement on Thursday, the agency said.

Conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, Down syndrome, severe obesity, type 2 diabetes and a host of other illnesses, the agency said.

With the guidelines expanded, about 4.47 million residents, or about half of Garden State’s 9 million people, are now eligible to receive the vaccine, the post said – but it’s not like someone needs to show proof.

“No documentation of the medical condition or age will be required,” said Persichilli, from NJ.com. (NY Post)

Many on social media criticized the move, while others began to joke that they would start smoking to be eligible.

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