New Jersey will give smokers access to the COVID vaccine before the general public as it makes them seriously ill, health officials say
- NJ gives smokers of all ages access to the COVID-19 vaccine, along with people over 65 and those with underlying health conditions
- It means that 2 million people have been pushed forward for the shootings
- It is unclear how the state plans to check whether a person is a smoker or not
- They do not ask non-smokers over the age of 65 – the other category that qualifies – for proof of their eligibility
- Many say it is unfair that smokers in New Jersey are more likely to access the vaccine than teachers
New Jersey is giving smokers access to the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public because, according to health officials, smokers become seriously ill more quickly and more quickly.
There are two million smokers in New Jersey. As of Wednesday, they are now eligible for the vaccine along with people over the age of 65 and people with underlying health conditions.
Health officials have defended the decision, saying their data proves that people who smoke get sick more quickly from COVID than those who don’t.
It is unclear how they will check whether or not a person is a smoker when they show up to receive the vaccine.
To date, no large-scale research has been done on how smokers are more affected by COVID.
In fact, early research indicated that smokers were not adversely affected by COVID – a result that left scientists baffled.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy traveled to a COVID-19 vaccination site in Rockaway last week. Starting Wednesday, smokers will 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 Morris County vaccination site opening
In a statement defending the New Jersey decision, Donna Leusner, Director of Communications for the Department of Health, said: “Nicotine is one of the most potent addictions.
‘Smoking puts people at a higher risk of a more serious illness. If someone who smokes gets COVID, they will get sick much more quickly. ‘
“ Smoking poses a significant risk of adverse COVID-19 outcome and there are 2 million smokers in New Jersey who fit into these categories, ” Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said Tuesday when they announced the decision .
Now 4.75 million people in New Jersey are eligible for the vaccine.
“The state has only received 500,000 vaccines. So far it has managed more than 123,000.
The NJ Department of Health has not shared the data it talks about how COVID-19 affects smokers worse than anyone else.
The decision was widely criticized on social media
Health officials have defended the decision, saying their data proves that people who smoke get sick more quickly from COVID than those who don’t
The CDC has never shared data on how it affects smokers.
The decision to include smokers outraged many who said it is not fair that they should get access to the vaccine before teachers.
When are NJ teachers eligible for the COVID vaccine? We’ve been pushed back in line, behind 2 million smokers, ”a critic asked after the announcement.
So you’re all going to prioritize the smokers who clearly don’t care about their health to get the vaccine first because they are now at higher risk after consciously choosing a bad life choice that would put them at higher risk?
“Make sense,” said another.
New York Times reporter Mark Mazzetti tweeted, “ My parents in New Jersey are technically eligible for vaccination today, but the state is extending eligibility today to … heavy smokers as well.
“I hope they get in line for the guy who proves his suitability by showing a receipt for a box of Winstons.”