New Jersey smokers jump on line and for COVID vaccine ‘because they’re more likely to get sick with the virus’
- NJ provides smokers of any age on the COVID-19 vaccine with people over 65 and people with underlying health conditions
- It means that 2 million people have been pushed to the front of the line for the pictures
- It is unclear how the state intends to check whether a person smokes or not
- They do not ask non-smokers over 65 – the other eligible category – to confirm the certificate
- Many say it is unfair that smokers in New Jersey are getting access to the vaccine before teachers
New Jersey is giving smokers the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine in front of the public because, according to its health officials, smokers are more likely to become ill and earlier.
There are two million smokers in New Jersey. On Wednesday, they are now eligible to receive the vaccine along with people over 65, and people with underlying health conditions.
Health officials have defended the decision, saying their data confirms that people who smoke grow faster from COVID than those who do not.
It is unclear how they will check whether a person smokes or not when they show up to be vaccinated.
To date, there has not been a comprehensive study of how COVID worsens smokers.
In fact, early research showed that COVID did not adversely affect smokers – a result that left scientists baffled.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy last week toured the COVID-19 vaccine site in Rockaway. On Wednesday, smokers will have access to the vaccine in NJ
Outside the Morris County vaccination site, in Rockaway, NJ, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visits the opening of the Morris County vaccination site
In a statement defending New Jersey ‘s decision, State Department of Health Communications Director Donna Leusner said:’ Nicotine is one of the most powerful drugs.
‘Smoking puts people at greater risk for more serious illness. If a smoker gets COVID, they get it faster. ‘
‘Smoking puts you at high risk for a bad outcome from COVID-19 and there are 2 million smokers in New Jersey who fit those categories,’ State Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said Tuesday they announced the decision.
Now, 4.75million in New Jersey are eligible to receive the vaccine.
‘Only 500,000 vaccines have been given to the state. To date, it has managed more than 123,000.
The NJ Department of Health has not shared its data on how COVID-19 affects smokers worse than anyone else.
The decision was achieved with widespread criticism on social media
The CDC has never shared data on how it affects smokers.
The decision to introduce smokers worried many who said it was fair that they should be given access to the vaccine before teachers.
Health officials have defended the decision, saying their data confirms that smokers grow faster from COVID than those who don’t.
‘When will NJ teachers be eligible for the COVID vaccine? We were pushed back by line, behind 2 million smokers, ‘one was criticized after the news.
So you want to prioritize smokers who are clearly not caring about their health to start getting the vaccine first because they are now at greater risk after knowing about 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 today for vaccinations, but the state is also extending eligibility today to … heavy smokers.
‘Hopefully they get in before the dude proves he deserves it by showing a receipt for a carton of Winstons.’