New Jersey will give smokers access to the COVID vaccine in front of the general public because they are more likely to get seriously ill from it, health officials say
- NJ gives smokers of any age access to the COVID-19 vaccine along with people over 65 and people with underlying illnesses
- It means 2 million people have been pushed to the front of the line to make the shots
- It is unclear how the state plans to check whether a person is a smoker or not
- Non-smokers over the age of 65 (the other eligible category) are not required to prove their eligibility
- Many say it is unfair for New Jersey smokers to have access to the vaccine before teachers
New Jersey offers smokers access to the COVID-19 vaccine in front of the general public because, according to their health officials, smokers are more likely to get seriously ill and faster.
There are two million smokers in New Jersey. As of Wednesday, they are now eligible to receive the vaccine along with people over the age of 65 and people who have underlying health conditions.
Health officials have defended the decision, saying their data show that people who smoke get more COVID than those who don’t.
It is unclear how they will check if a person is a smoker or not when they show up to receive the vaccine.
To date, no widespread study has been conducted on how smokers are worst affected by COVID.
In fact, early research indicated that smokers were not adversely affected by COVID, a result that left scientists baffled.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy last week toured a vaccination site against COVID-19 in Rockaway. As of Wednesday, smokers have access to the vaccine in New Jersey
Outside the Morris County Vaccination Site in Rockaway, New Jersey, on Friday, January 8, 2021. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visits the opening of the Morris County Vaccination Site
In a statement defending the New Jersey decision, State Department of Health communications director Donna Leusner said, “Nicotine is one of the most powerful addictions.
“Smoking puts people at risk for more serious illnesses. If a smoker has COVID, they get sick faster.
“Smoking poses a significant risk to an adverse outcome of COVID-19 and there are 2 million smokers in New Jersey who fall into these categories,” State Department of Health State Commissioner Judy Persichilli said Tuesday when they announced the decision.
Now, 4.75 million in New Jersey are eligible to receive the vaccine.
“The state has only received 500,000 vaccines. To date, it has administered more than 123,000.
The NJ Department of Health has not shared the data it has on how COVID-19 affects smokers worse than anyone.
The decision received widespread criticism on social media
Health officials have defended the decision, saying its data shows that people who smoke become more ill with COVID than those who do not.
The CDC has never shared data on how it affects smokers.
The decision to include smokers outraged many who said it is not fair to give them access to the vaccine before teachers.
“When will NJ teachers be eligible for the COVID vaccine? They’ve pushed us into the queue, behind 2 million smokers,” one critic asked after the announcement.
“So will you prioritize smokers who clearly don’t care about their health to start getting the vaccine because they now have a higher risk after consciously choosing a bad life choice that would pose a higher risk?
“It makes sense,” said another.
New York Times reporter Mark Mazzetti tweeted, “My New Jersey parents are technically eligible today to get vaccinated, but the state is also expanding eligibility today to … heavy smokers.
“I hope they line up before the guy proves his eligibility by showing a receipt for a Winstons carton.”