[ad_1]
New Jersey on Thursday opened the distribution of coronavirus vaccines to include residents aged 65 and over and those aged 16 and over who have at least one chronic illness, which the state says includes smoking and obesity, but teachers and other essential workers who do not fall into this category will still have to wait.
Additionally, the state will not require residents to present documented proof of any medical condition or age.
Other chronic medical conditions now eligible for the vaccine include cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Down syndrome, heart disease, organ transplant recipients, pregnancy, sickle cell anemia and type 2 diabetes. These New Jersey residents join paid or unpaid people working or volunteering in a health care facility, residents of long-term care facilities or other collective facilities, first responders and those over 65 to be eligible for the coveted vaccine.
“Expand access to [the] the vaccine for people in these categories is essential because we know they are at greater risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, “said Judith Persichilli, state health commissioner, in a press release issued Wednesday. ” 80% of deaths from COVID-19 in New Jersey were among people 65 and older, and overall, 67% of deaths had one or more reported underlying conditions. “
TEXAS SURPASSES 2M CORONAVIRUS CASES, THE SECOND HIGHEST IN THE UNITED STATES
The state’s expansion to include people with underlying illnesses, which includes smoking, is in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for those considered to be at increased risk of serious illness due to COVID-19, but it is not suitable for some residents.
“How is smoking on this list? [SIC] go [SIC] give a vaccine to a smoker rather than someone who is a key employee who is at higher risk of infection ?? It does not make sense, ” a Twitter user wrote.
However, Persichilli at a press conference added on Wednesday that the state has more than 2 million smokers, making it the largest group at risk. She said 1.2 million people had already pre-registered for the vaccine through the state’s website.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE
More than 387,840 doses of the vaccine have been administered in New Jersey, with an overwhelming majority of recipients being women. According to state data, 63% of beneficiaries are women, while 37% are men. Almost half of the recipients are 46% white, and residents aged 30 to 49 are the most vaccinated with 36%.
The state has said it expects more groups to become eligible in the coming weeks as it opens up distribution to additional frontline essential workers, other essential workers and the general population. in phases 1B, 1C and 2, respectively.
[ad_2]
Source link