Smoking is on the list of high-risk medical conditions and co-morbidities that make someone eligible for the coronavirus vaccine under Illinois’ Phase 1B plus.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, smoking is considered a “eligible condition” at the stage in addition to other conditions such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, pregnancy, and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “if you are a current or former cigarette smoker, your risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases.”
Illinois entered Phase 1B Plus on Feb. 25, increasing the ability to include people with certain underlying conditions and co-morbidities. The move meant that an additional 3.4 million people across Illinois were eligible for the vaccine.
Smoking was not on the eligibility list when the phase was first announced, but was added when the state entered the phase last week.
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The list of qualifying high-risk medical conditions, which the state said was subject to change, initially included:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Immunocompromised state of solid organ transplant
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Lung disease
- Sickle cell disease
The extension applied to those ages 16 and older who were not otherwise treated in previous eligibility categories, the state said. That is in addition to the health and long-term care workers and residents who qualified in Phase 1A of the state rollout, as well as the essential workers and residents 65 and older who were eligible at the start of Phase 1B .
Still, many counties in the Chicago area, including the city itself, have chosen not to expand eligibility, citing a lack of supply.
Here’s everything you need to know about Phase 1B Plus, including who is and who is not under the extended stage.