SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Gov. Phil Murphy is defending the state’s decision to put smokers on the list of those who are immediately eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Earlier this week, New Jersey expanded the list of people eligible for the vaccine to include those 65 and older and people with chronic health conditions, including cancer, diabetes and smoking.
Speaking at a Trenton news conference Friday, Murphy said the decision to prioritize 2 million New Jersey smokers for the vaccine was based on medical facts, not political want.
“I get it,” he said. “I understand the optics here, and that attacking folks who took up the habit of smoking who are now addicted may be politically expedient, but at this time we are stuck in a position where we have to prioritize,” he said.
And with a limited supply of the vaccine, he said New Jersey has to prioritize those who are more vulnerable.
“It is a simple fact, whether we like it or not, that smoking — like other chronic and medical conditions — puts someone at a higher risk of a more severe case of COVID,” he continued.
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Murphy said the state is following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which said smoking puts someone at a higher risk of getting a more serious case of COVID-19.
He said the decision comes down to saving lives.
What the state really needs is a bigger supply of the vaccine, Murphy argued, then the debate over smoking would disappear.
Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said in order for the state to meet its goal of inoculating 70% of the adult population in six months, it needs 470,000 doses a week. Right now, the state is getting about 100,000 doses a week.