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U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agents and their Medical Workers Do Not Administer Influenza Vaccines to Migrants Held at Detention Centers Along the U.S.-Mexico Border, reports Tuesday.
"In general, due to the short-term nature of CBP holding and the complexities of operating vaccination programs," said CBP, "the agency told The Hill in a statement. Children receive the flu vaccine from CBP to Health and Human Services (HHS) custody, the CBP spokesperson said.
BORDER PATROL NABS NEARLY 200 CENTRAL AMERICAN MIGRANTS NEAR NEW MEXICO PORT OF ENTRY
Earlier this month, Doctors from Harvard, Johns Hopkins and other medical groups wrote House Democrats, asking for a congressional investigation into conditions at border detention centers ahead of flu seasons. The doctors argue at "rapid turnover of detainees increases the spread of influenza" at centers.
The doctors said at least one of the six children who died in the past, according to their autopsy reports.
"These tragic deaths appear to be more than half-hearted in the last year in these populations, and they are more likely to be reported in the general population," said doctors. "Another influenza season is around the corner. … Timely action is critical. "
Children who fall ill with influenza at detention centers appear to be at a higher risk of complications due to a lack of protocol in view of isolating and separating patients to minimize the spread of infectious disease, the doctors said. They recommended CBP to administer flu shots at the centers as soon as possible.
Reps. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., And Rep. Lucile Roybal-Allard, D-Calif., In turn wrote to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Homeland Security Department (DHS), which oversees Border Patrol, This may be an exacerbation of the spread of infectious disease.
Their offices requested a response by Aug. 30, given that the start of the season is approaching.
CBP has increased the number of medical staff contracted to work in the U.S.-Mexico border, the spokesperson agency told The Hill. Migrants receive an initial medical assessment on entering CBP custody. If it is determined necessary, the migrants may be referred to the local health system and receive vaccinations at a local medical facility, the spokesperson said.
Approximately 200 medical staff are currently contracted to work along the southwestern border. Most important centers in the world, including the Rio Grande sector, "the agency spokesperson added.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over 6 months old receive annual flu vaccinations. The agency recommends the vaccine by the end of October in order to prepare for a season that peaks between December and February.
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