Pennsylvania health officials this week decided to prioritize smokers for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Phase 1a Distribution Plan for Vaccines – the current phase of the state – now includes ‘persons aged 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions’, listed with smoking.
According to the state’s initiative plan, smokers in Pennsylvania are prioritized over educators, first responders and postal workers, among others.
“Pennsylvania has chosen to [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] recommendations and includes smoking among the list of medical conditions that put people at risk, ”a health department spokesman said in a statement to local news station WTAE-4.
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Indeed, the expansion of the state to include those with underlying conditions – including smoking – is in line with CDC guidelines for those who are at increased risk for serious diseases due to COVID-19.
Nevertheless, not all residents were delighted with the move – with one Pennsylvania woman telling WTAE-4 she was ‘stunned’ by the news.
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The inclusion of smokers in Phase 1a follows a similar move from New Jersey, where health officials opened its distribution of coronavirus vaccines to residents 65 and older and ages 16 and older who have at least one chronic medical condition, which includes the state. also said to include smoking.
Mississippi also anticipated the first distribution phase for coronavirus vaccination.
Fox News’ Alexandria Hein contributed to this report.