Smokers Now Eligible for COVID Vaccine in Illinois Under Phase 1B Plus
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, smoking is considered an eligible condition under the phase alongside other conditions like cancer, diabetes, obesity, pregnancy and more.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that being a current or former cigarette smoker increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Illinois entered its Phase 1B Plus on Feb. 25, increasing eligibility to include people with certain underlying conditions and comorbidities. The move meant an additional 3.4 million people across Illinois became eligible for the vaccine.
Smoking was not on the list of eligible conditions when the phase was first announced, but was added as the state entered the phase last week.