Smoking is on the list of high-risk medical conditions and comorbidities that qualify anyone for the coronavirus vaccine under Phase 1B plus in Illinois.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, smoking is considered a ‘suitable condition’ in the phase, along with other conditions such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, pregnancy and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that ‘the fact that you are a current or former cigarette smoker increases your risk of serious illness through COVID-19.’
Illinois entered its Phase 1B Plus on February 25, thus including people with certain underlying conditions and illnesses. The move means an additional 3.4 million people in Illinois will be eligible for the vaccine.
Smoking was not on the list of suitable conditions when the phase was first announced, but was added when the state entered the phase last week.
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The list of high-risk qualifying medical conditions, which according to the state was subject to change, initially contained the following:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Diabetes
- Heart condition
- Immuno-compromised State of a solid organ transplant
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Lung disease
- Sickle cell disease
The extension applied to those 16 and older who were not otherwise covered in the previous qualification categories, the state said. This is in addition to the health workers and long-term care staff and residents who qualified in Phase 1A of the state’s entry into force, as well as essential workers and residents aged 65 and over who were eligible at the beginning of Phase 1B.
Nevertheless, many provinces in the Chicago area, including the city itself, chose not to expand the suitability, citing a lack of supply.
Here’s everything you need to know about Phase 1B Plus, including who is the extended phase and what is not.