Photo: Getty
Smokers are getting earlier access to the COVID-19 vaccine in New Jersey.
The stateannounced Wednesdaythat vaccine eligibility now includes residents aged 16 to 64 with preexisting conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obesity. The list also includesanyone who smokes, encompassing about 2 million people in New Jersey.
The decision led to outrage from some residents, who were angry that the state was prioritizing smokers over other groups, such as grocery store employees or teachers, some of whom are doing in-person learning with students.
New Jersey officials defended the decision during a briefing on Wednesday, explaining that “smoking puts you at significant risk for an adverse result from COVID-19,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli,NBC4 reported.
“Nicotine is one of the most powerful addictions. Smoking put individuals at higher risk for more severe disease. If an individual who smokes gets COVID, they get sicker much quicker,” Department of Health Director of Communications Donna Leusner said in a statement.
RELATED VIDEO: Joe Biden Receives Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccination
“Our goal is to save as many lives as possible and to promote vaccination among the highest risk groups,” she continued. “Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US as well as in NJ.”
The CDC lists both current and former smokerson their siteas people at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The health agency recommends thatpeople who currently smoke should quit, and any former smokers should not take up the habit again.
As information about thecoronavirus pandemicrapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from theCDC,WHOandlocal public health departments.PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMeto raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, clickhere.
source: people.com
