In the US state of New Jersey, smokers should preferably receive the corona vaccine in the future, as they belong to a risk group.
The decision sparked discussions.
Trenton -
smokers
preferred.
What at first sounds like a bad joke is turning out to be
a bitter reality
in the
US state of New Jersey
.
The government announced on Wednesday that, in addition to citizens over 65 years of age, it would also give
preference to
people between 16 and 64 when they were
vaccinated
, if they meet certain health conditions.
In addition to pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart disease or cancer,
smoking
also falls
into this category.
Corona in the USA: State wants to give preference to smokers for corona vaccinations
As the US news portal
NBC
reported receiving
smoking
in
New Jersey
, therefore, inter alia teachers the long-awaited
vaccine
against the
coronavirus
.
A decision that, as expected, caused a loud outcry among the population.
Judith Persichilili, who as Health Commissioner in New Jersey is largely responsible for the new measures, justified the decision on Wednesday with the increased risk that
smokers
would have to fear
with
Covid-19 disease
.
Critics of the measure, however, argue that
, unlike chronic illnesses or cancer,
smoking is
a decision that can be made.
Because of this decision with the
corona vaccination
To be preferred is accordingly not fair.
Especially when the teachers, who have daily contact with many children, are disadvantaged and pushed back in the ranking.
Prefer smokers for corona vaccination?
What do you think?
Corona vaccination in the USA: Smokers preferred - Official authorities defend measures
The responsible
authorities
in
New Jersey
have therefore only adhered to the requirements of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This
officially
lists
smoking
as a criterion for a severe course of
Covid-19 disease
favored.
"Our goal is to save as many lives as possible, and the
vaccine
for
high-risk groups
to provide" Donna Leusner, director explains the
health department
of
New Jersey
.
However, she still advises every smoker to stop smoking.
(fd)
List of rubric lists: © Kevin Hagen / AP / dpa
