Pennsylvania health officials this week prioritized smokers for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Phase 1a vaccine distribution plan – the state’s current phase – now includes “16- to 64-year-olds with high-risk medical conditions” with listed smoking.
According to the state’s vaccine distribution plan, smokers in Pennsylvania are prioritized above education workers, first responders and postal workers, among other groups.
“Pennsylvania has chosen to follow the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] recommendations and include smoking on the list of medical conditions that put individuals at greatest risk, “a health department spokesman told the local news station WTAE-4 in a statement.
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In fact, the state’s expansion to include those with underlying diseases – including smoking – is in line with the CDC’s guidance for those who are considered at an increased risk of serious COVID-19 disease.
Still, not all residents are excited about the move – with a woman from Pennsylvania telling WTAE-4 that she was “surprised” by the news.
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The inclusion of smokers in phase 1a follows a similar shift from New Jersey, where health officials have opened their coronavirus vaccine distribution to include residents aged 65 and over and those aged 16 and over who have at least one medical condition chronic, which the state also said includes smoking.
Mississippi also prioritized smokers in their first phase of delivering the coronavirus vaccine.
Fox News’ Alexandria Hein contributed to this report.