Chloe Ramirez
In January 2021, New Jersey expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to include smokers, a decision that caused controversy. While some people agreed with the decision, others were angry that smokers could get the vaccine before essential workers and teachers. New Jersey's Health Department representative said that the goal was to save as many lives as possible and that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Former smokers eligible for vaccine in NJ | Yes |
| Need to prove former smoker status | No |
| Approx. no. of former smokers eligible | 2 million |
| Other eligible groups | People aged 65 and older, people with underlying health conditions (e.g. cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart conditions, obesity, etc.), pregnant people, essential workers, educators |
| Criticisms | No prioritization of teachers, potential for abuse of the system |
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What You'll Learn
No proof of smoking status required
In January 2021, New Jersey expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to include smokers, a move that prompted criticism from some residents. The state's Health Commissioner, Judith Persichilli, pointed out that smoking puts individuals at a significant risk of adverse results from COVID-19. This decision was based on the fact that smoking inhibits lung function, and COVID-19 is a respiratory illness.
While the expansion of eligibility was intended to save lives, some disagreed with the decision to include smokers in the early vaccination rounds. Critics argued that smoking is a personal choice, and smokers should not be prioritised over essential workers or those with other health conditions, such as asthma. There were also concerns about the potential for abuse of the system, as no documentation of smoking status was required during the registration and appointment process.
However, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy defended the state's vaccine eligibility requirements, emphasising the need to prioritise individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, including smoking. He stated that the decision was based on data and facts, aiming to balance the distribution between those needed to help defeat the virus and those at higher risk of severe illness or death.
Despite the controversy, New Jersey's decision to include smokers as a high-risk group for COVID-19 vaccination eligibility highlights the state's focus on limiting fatalities and promoting vaccination among the most vulnerable populations.
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Smokers' eligibility sparks criticism
New Jersey's decision to include smokers in the early round of COVID-19 vaccinations has sparked criticism and controversy among its residents. The state became the second in the country to open vaccinations to smokers, with no proof of smoking status required to be eligible for the vaccine. This decision has been met with confusion and anger, especially from essential workers and those with other underlying health conditions who now find themselves at a lower priority for inoculation.
The Criticism
Many residents have expressed their frustration and anger online and in interviews, stating that the decision seems unfair and unjust. Some feel that smoking is a personal choice and that smokers should not be rewarded for what they consider to be irresponsible behavior. One resident, Marc Adams, a 42-year-old from Hampton, shared his perspective: "It’s a personal choice. I don’t think I should push forward in line because of my choice. Other people are going to be more susceptible to the disease." Adams also mentioned that he is in no rush to get the vaccine and is willing to wait and observe the potential downfalls of the vaccine.
Another resident with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that does not make him eligible for the vaccine, expressed his dilemma: "It's hard for me not to roll up a pack of smokes in my sleeve and sign up for a spot... I'm just not 'that guy.' You see 4,000 people a day dying, it's hard to blame anybody."
The eligibility criteria have also raised concerns about the potential for abuse and scamming of the system. While New Jersey officials aim to keep the vaccine distribution process simple and efficient, some residents worry that individuals may lie or take advantage of the lack of documentation requirements to jump the line.
Defending the Decision
In response to the criticism, the New Jersey Department of Health defended its decision, stating that they were following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Donna Leusner, the Department of Health Director of Communications, emphasized that nicotine is one of the most powerful addictions and that smoking puts individuals at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease. She added, "Our goal is to save as many lives as possible and to promote vaccination among the highest risk groups. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US as well as in NJ."
Dr. Kennedy Ganti, president-elect of the Medical Society of New Jersey, also weighed in on the matter, stating that the primary focus of state and federal governments during a pandemic is to limit fatalities. While acknowledging the potential upset caused by the decision, Dr. Ganti emphasized that smoking is a risk factor and that governments must take imperative actions to save lives.
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The state's vaccine supply is insufficient
New Jersey's decision to include smokers in the early rounds of vaccinations has been met with criticism and frustration. The state's vaccine supply is insufficient to meet the demand, and the expansion of eligibility to millions of people, including smokers, has caused a stir. New Jersey is currently receiving about 100,000 doses per week, but it would require around 470,000 doses weekly to meet the forecasted demand. This shortage has led to concerns about fairness and consistency in vaccine distribution.
The state's priority is to save as many lives as possible and promote vaccination among high-risk groups. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in New Jersey, and smokers are at significant risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19. However, the inclusion of smokers in the early phases of vaccination has upset some residents, particularly essential workers and educators, who feel they should have been given priority. The state's decision has also raised concerns about the potential for abuse and scamming of the system, as no documentation of smoking or underlying health conditions is required during registration.
The state's health department acknowledges that nicotine is addictive, and smokers should receive support to quit the habit. While the expansion of eligibility has attracted attention, the underlying issue of vaccine supply shortage remains. The state aims to vaccinate 70% of its adult population, approximately 4.7 million people, within six months, but the current supply is not sufficient to meet this goal.
The governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, has defended the state's eligibility criteria, stating that it is based on data and facts. The state is focused on two distinct groups: those needed to help defeat the virus, such as healthcare workers and first responders, and individuals at higher risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. However, the limited vaccine supply has intensified the competition for shots, with many in the priority groups still facing challenges in scheduling their appointments.
The expansion of eligibility to smokers in New Jersey highlights the complexities and challenges of vaccine distribution. While the state prioritizes saving lives and targeting high-risk groups, the insufficient vaccine supply has led to frustration and criticism. The state is navigating the delicate balance between expanding access and ensuring fairness in vaccine distribution, but the shortage of doses remains a critical issue that needs to be addressed.
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Smokers are at high risk of adverse illness from COVID-19
In January 2021, New Jersey became one of only two states that included smoking among the high-risk medical conditions that make people eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. This decision was made in response to soaring coronavirus infection rates and the need to use existing vaccine supplies. No documentation of an underlying health condition was required for eligibility.
Indeed, smokers are at high risk of adverse illness from COVID-19. Early research indicates that compared to non-smokers, those with a history of smoking may have a substantially increased chance of adverse health outcomes, including being admitted to intensive care, requiring mechanical ventilation, and suffering severe health consequences. This is due to the effects of smoking on the respiratory system, which make it more likely that smokers contract respiratory diseases, which could be more severe.
Smoking is known to be a risk factor for many other respiratory infections, including colds, influenza, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. It is also associated with the increased development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, a key complication for severe cases of COVID-19. Furthermore, evidence from China, where COVID-19 originated, shows that people with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions caused by tobacco use are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Research on 55,924 laboratory-confirmed cases revealed that the crude fatality rate for COVID-19 patients is much higher among those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer.
Additionally, cigarette smoke has been shown to reduce the signaling ability of interferon beta, a type of cytokine molecule that regulates how immune cells grow and respond to threats like infection. Laboratory-grown human nasal tissues exposed to cigarette smoke were found to be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Quitting tobacco use has an almost immediate positive impact on lung and cardiovascular function, increasing the ability of COVID-19 patients to respond to infection and potentially reducing the risk of developing severe symptoms.
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$15.95 $16.95
Registration is not required
In January 2021, New Jersey expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to include smokers, making it one of only two states to include smoking among the high-risk medical conditions that make people eligible for the vaccine. This decision was based on the fact that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. and New Jersey, and that COVID-19 is a respiratory illness.
While this move attracted criticism from some, who felt that smokers should not be prioritised over essential workers and educators, it was defended by the state's Health Commissioner, Judy Persichilli, who pointed out that smoking puts people at significant risk of adverse results from COVID-19. Governor Phil Murphy also defended the decision, stating that it was not a comparison between smokers and other groups, but rather a need to prioritise those with pre-existing medical conditions.
While this lack of registration requirement and documentation has been criticised as making the system open to abuse, Governor Murphy stated that the focus is on getting as many shots into people's arms as possible, as quickly as possible, and that the system should not be overly bureaucratic.
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Frequently asked questions
Former smokers are eligible for the vaccine in NJ. However, no proof of being a former smoker is required.
You can register on the state's COVID website to get a list of vaccine sites across the state, but registration is not required.
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the US and NJ (except for COVID-19). Smokers are at significant risk of adverse illness from COVID-19 as their use of tobacco inhibits their lungs.
It is not clear whether non-residents are eligible for the vaccine in NJ. However, it is recommended that you check the state's COVID website for more information.
