Logan Reed
Illinois has expanded its COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to include smokers, both current and former, as part of its Phase 1B+ rollout. This decision, in line with federal health guidance, recognizes that smoking is a high-risk medical condition that increases the likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19, regardless of age. The expansion has been met with mixed reactions, as some question whether smoking, being a lifestyle choice, should be a priority over other conditions. However, the state aims to advance its goal of equitable distribution to communities of color, with statistics showing higher smoking rates among Native Americans and Whites.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State | Illinois |
| Vaccine type | COVID-19 |
| Phase | 1B+ |
| Eligibility criteria | Current or former smokers |
| Other eligibility criteria | Health care workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, frontline essential workers, residents age 65 and older, people with certain underlying conditions and comorbidities |
| Number of eligible smokers | More than 1.5 million |
| Number of eligible people in Illinois | 3.4 million |
| Date of implementation | February 25, 2021 |
| Reaction | Mixed |
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What You'll Learn
Illinois prioritises smokers for the COVID-19 vaccine
Illinois has expanded its COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to include smokers, both current and former, in Phase 1B+ of its vaccine rollout. This decision was made in accordance with federal health guidance, which recognises that smoking increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The state's Phase 1B eligibility, which previously included those aged 65 and above and frontline essential workers, was expanded on February 25, 2021, to include those with underlying conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and smoking.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has stated that individuals with certain underlying medical conditions, including smoking, are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness, regardless of their age. This expansion of eligibility criteria allows an additional 3.4 million people across Illinois to become eligible for the vaccine. The move is intended to advance the state's goal of equitable vaccine distribution, particularly to communities of colour, as smoking rates vary across different demographic groups.
While some Illinois residents support this decision, citing the increased risk for smokers, others have expressed mixed reactions. Some individuals feel that smoking, as a lifestyle choice, should not be prioritised over other medical conditions. There are also concerns about the potential for individuals to game the system by taking up smoking to gain priority access to the vaccine. However, the state's decision aligns with similar approaches taken by other states, such as New Jersey and Mississippi, which have also prioritised smokers in their vaccine distribution plans.
To verify eligibility, some vaccine sites in Illinois rely on individuals honestly disclosing their smoking status, while hospitals and medical groups have the ability to check an individual's eligibility more thoroughly. The expansion of eligibility criteria to include smokers in Illinois highlights the state's efforts to protect vulnerable residents and ensure equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Smoking is a high-risk medical condition
The harmful effects of smoking extend beyond the smoker, as children exposed to secondhand smoke are at a higher risk for respiratory infections, ear infections, asthma attacks, and even sudden infant death syndrome. Furthermore, smoking is not just a harmful habit but a serious addiction, and quitting can be extremely challenging due to nicotine's effects on the brain.
In recognition of the severe health risks associated with smoking, Illinois has included it in the list of high-risk medical conditions that make individuals eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under Phase 1B Plus. This decision was made based on evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reports that both current and former cigarette smokers are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
The inclusion of smokers in the high-risk category has sparked mixed reactions among Illinois residents. Some individuals question the fairness of prioritizing smokers, especially since smoking can be considered a lifestyle choice. However, others acknowledge the heightened vulnerability of smokers to COVID-19 and support their inclusion in the priority groups.
While the eligibility of smokers for the COVID-19 vaccine in Illinois has been established, it is important to note that the long-term health benefits of quitting smoking cannot be overstated. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, COPD, and other health issues. It is a process that requires commitment and support, and various tools and resources are available to help individuals succeed in kicking this dangerous habit.
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Former smokers are eligible for the vaccine
As of February 25, 2021, Illinois residents who are current or former smokers are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine under the state's Phase 1B Plus. Smoking is considered a high-risk medical condition that increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recognizes that individuals with underlying medical conditions, including smoking, are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness, regardless of their age. This means that they may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe.
The expansion of eligibility to include smokers in Illinois allows an additional 3.4 million people to become eligible for the vaccine. This move is in line with the state's goal of equitable distribution of the vaccine to communities of color, as smoking rates vary across different demographic groups.
While some smokers in Illinois may not feel they should be prioritized for the vaccine, the decision is based on public health guidance and the increased risk associated with smoking. The state's Phase 1B Plus also includes other underlying conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions.
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Illinois' Phase 1B Plus eligibility criteria
On February 25, 2021, Illinois expanded its Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccination program, entering Phase 1B Plus. This expansion increased eligibility to include people with specific underlying conditions and comorbidities. The Illinois Department of Public Health has included smoking as one of the eligible conditions, alongside other conditions such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and pregnancy. This means that both current and former smokers are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under Illinois' Phase 1B Plus guidelines.
Phase 1B Plus in Illinois also covers individuals 16 and older who were not covered in previous eligibility categories. This includes those who were not included in Phase 1A, which comprised healthcare workers, long-term care facility staff, and residents. Additionally, frontline essential workers and residents aged 65 and older, who were eligible at the start of Phase 1B, are still covered under Phase 1B Plus.
The expansion of Phase 1B was aimed at advancing the state's goal of equitable vaccine distribution, particularly to communities of color, who have been disproportionately affected by the virus. The Illinois Department of Public Health recognizes that individuals with underlying medical conditions, including smoking, are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness, regardless of their age.
It is worth noting that the eligibility criteria for high-risk medical conditions are subject to change as guidance evolves. As of February 25, 2021, the list of qualifying high-risk medical conditions included:
- Cancer
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Diabetes
- Heart Condition
- Immunocompromised State from a Solid Organ Transplant
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Pulmonary Disease
- Sickle Cell Disease
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CDC: Smoking increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19
As of February 25, 2021, Illinois residents who are current or former smokers are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under Phase 1B Plus of the state's vaccine rollout. This expansion of vaccine eligibility to smokers is in line with federal health guidance, with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recognizing that individuals with underlying medical conditions, including smoking, are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, regardless of their age.
The inclusion of smokers in the high-risk category has sparked mixed reactions among Illinois residents. Some people agree with the decision, acknowledging that smokers are more vulnerable to COVID-19 due to the compromised immune system that smoking causes. However, others question the fairness of prioritizing smokers, viewing smoking as a "'lifestyle choice.'"
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), being a current or former cigarette smoker increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Smoking compromises the immune system, making it less effective at fighting infections and bacteria. CDC statistics show that the prevalence of smoking varies across different demographic groups, with 21% of Native Americans, 15.5% of Whites, 14.9% of Blacks, 9% of Hispanics, and 7% of Asians smoking.
The expansion of vaccine eligibility to smokers in Illinois is part of the state's effort to advance equitable distribution of the vaccine to communities of color. By prioritizing smokers, Illinois aims to protect a vulnerable group and ensure a more equitable distribution of the vaccine. This decision is aligned with the CDC's guidance and the recognition that smoking increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, former smokers are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Illinois.
Former smokers are included in Phase 1B+ of the state's vaccine rollout.
Phase 1B+ includes people with underlying conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and cancer.
Some vaccine sites trust that you will be honest about your condition, but hospitals and medical groups have the ability to check.
The CDC states that being a current or former cigarette smoker increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
