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Pennsylvania has placed smokers at the top of its list for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health added “people aged 16 to 64 with high-risk health problems” to phase 1a of its vaccine allocation plan. Smoking is listed as a high risk condition.
Healthcare workers, residents of long-term care facilities, and people 65 and older are also included in Pennsylvania Phase 1a. The State is now in phase 1a of its allocation plan.
A spokesperson for the department says WTAE-4 in Pittsburgh that “Pennsylvania chose to follow the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] recommendations and include smoking among the list of medical conditions that put individuals at greater risk. “
The Pennsylvania Department of Health did not immediately return a request for comment from The Hill.
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is currently recommending that people aged 16 to 64 with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 be included in phase 1c, but states are free to change their distribution plans at their discretion.
CDC says smoking increases a risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Smoking weakens the immune system, which reduces the body’s ability to fight disease.
The move comes as states are rushing to expand eligibility to vaccinate more of its residents. CNN reported that New Jersey and Mississippi currently offer the vaccine to smokers, and several other states have smokers next door.
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