Smokers now in priority group for COVID-19 vaccine in Illinois

Illinois smokers are now among the priority groups eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

As a part of the state's vaccination schedule, residents with certain high-risk medical conditions - including smoking - are now able to get shots, along with seniors and medical and essential workers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, being a "current or former cigarette smoker" puts you at greater risk for severe COVID-19 illness.

"The smokers are much more vulnerable than normal people because the smoking would compromise your immune system fighting against infections and bacteria," said Dr. Samuel Kim, a thoracic surgeon at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

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