New Jersey on Thursday opened coronavirus vaccine distribution to include residents 65 and older and ages 16 and older who have at least one chronic medical condition, which according to the state includes smoking and obesity, but teachers and other essentials workers who do not fall. in this category will still have to wait.
In addition, the state will not require residents to show documented evidence of any medical conditions or age.
Other chronic medical conditions that are now eligible include cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Down syndrome, heart conditions, organ transplant patients, pregnancy, sickle cell disease and type 2 diabetes. These New Jersey residents join paid or unpaid people who work in a health care environment or volunteer, residents of long-term care facilities or other congregations, first responders in the front line and those over 65 to be eligible for the coveted vaccine.
“Extend access to [the] vaccine for individuals in these categories is critical because we know they are at greater risk for serious COVID-19 disease and death, “Judith Persichilli, the state’s health commissioner, said in a press release Wednesday. 80% of COVID-19 deaths in New Jersey were under 65 and older, and overall, 67% of deaths were reported over one or more underlying conditions. ‘
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The expansion of the state to include those with underlying conditions, including smoking, is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for those considered to be at increased risk for serious diseases due to COVID- 19, but it does not suit some residents.
“How is smoking on this list ?? Serious? So you [SIC] go [SIC] give a vaccine to a smoker about someone who is an essential employee who has a higher risk of infection? It does not make sense, ” wrote one Twitter user.
However, Persichilli added at a news conference on Wednesday that the state has more than 2 million smokers, making it the largest group at risk. According to her, 1.2 million individuals have already pre-registered for the vaccine via the state’s website.
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More than 387,840 doses of the vaccine were administered in New Jersey, with an overwhelming majority of the recipients female. According to state data, 63% of recipients are female, while 37% are male. Nearly half of the recipients are 46% white and residents aged 30-49 represent the most vaccinated at 36%.
The state said it expects more groups will be eligible in the coming weeks as it will open up distribution to additional essential workers, other essential workers and the general population in Phase 1B, Phase 1C and Phase 2, respectively.