In a notable move, New Jersey and Mississippi are currently providing COVID-19 vaccinations to smokers, regardless of their age. New Jersey recently updated its vaccination guidelines, allowing individuals aged 65 and older to receive the vaccine, as well as those between 16 and 64 who have specific medical conditions, including smoking. This places New Jersey alongside Mississippi as the only states at present offering the vaccine to smokers, a decision that has sparked some debate.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that smokers be vaccinated in phase 1c. However, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, both New Jersey and Mississippi are prioritizing smokers as part of their vaccination efforts. Being a smoker is classified as an underlying health condition, alongside others such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Notably, in New Jersey, no proof of a smoking-related health issue is required to receive the vaccine, allowing smokers to jump ahead in the vaccination queue, even before some essential workers, like teachers—a decision some view as contentious.
New Jersey’s Health Commissioner, Mark Thompson, emphasized the increased risks smokers face regarding severe COVID-19 outcomes. Governor Alex Murphy announced these changes as part of the state’s efforts to accelerate vaccination rates. Currently, only about 7.5% of the prioritized population in New Jersey has received their first vaccine dose.
Critics argue that smokers knowingly put themselves at greater risk and that individuals in high-exposure occupations, such as teaching, should be prioritized instead. Others highlight that smoking is a form of addiction, which can lead to a higher likelihood of serious illness from COVID-19 due to its impact on lung health. Esther Greene, an emergency physician, pointed out the moral complexities of determining vaccine eligibility based on health behaviors, especially when smoking is recognized as a substance use disorder.
In contrast, other states like New Mexico and Texas have chosen to exclude smokers from their current vaccination eligibility, while states like Alaska and Maine will address smokers in later phases. The ongoing challenge of vaccine distribution means that states have the flexibility to interpret the CDC’s guidance, leading to different approaches in vaccine rollout. Ultimately, the focus remains on vaccinating as many individuals as possible in the ongoing pandemic.
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Summary:
New Jersey and Mississippi are currently offering COVID-19 vaccines to smokers of any age, which has led to debates about prioritization in vaccination. While some argue it is unfair for smokers to receive early access, others stress the health risks associated with smoking, especially in the context of the pandemic. As states navigate vaccine distribution, their approaches differ significantly, raising questions about health behaviors and vaccination equity.
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