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Teachers in New Jersey are furious about the vaccination of the state, which gives smokers preference over educators. Now that about 300,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine have been administered to frontline health care workers, long-term care home residents, police officers and firefighters, New Jersey has begun offering vaccines to anyone 65 or older, anyone with a pre-existing condition, and – to the anger of teachers – anyone who smokes. “Smoking puts you at significant risk for COVID-19 adverse effects,” Health Department Commissioner Judy Persichilli told NJ.com, reporting that there were 2 million smokers between the ages of 16 and 64 in the state is. For some teachers, it feels like rewarding a bad habit. For them, smoking is optional, but it is not about putting their health at risk to return to the classroom.
“I think the priority of smokers as a group has offended educators” and “[we’re] “It’s quite inflammatory,” Susan McBride, president of the Bergen County Education Association, told NJ.com. “She says Wednesday’s extension of the rollout was particularly painful for teachers.” It’s very much led us to get on the vaccine hierarchy. Anthony Rosamilia, president of the Essex County Education Association, says it’s not just teachers who are upset. The “general public is not happy” that someone’s dangerous habit (reading addiction) qualifies them for a vaccine in front of someone who prefer not to do so.smoke, he says.But experts believe it is a smart move if the goal is to reduce hospitalizations, and not track down health officials.York. (Read more stories from New Jersey.)