Approximately 20,000 migrant children may not have received vaccinations for diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, measles, and chickenpox. Despite this, New York City Public Schools are allowing these children to start the school year, granting them a 30-day waiver to obtain their vaccinations, a privilege not extended to native students.
Concerns have been raised about the potential health risks posed by the lack of vaccination among migrants crossing the border. Studies indicate that migrants are less likely to be vaccinated against measles and are more likely to carry the disease. For instance, Yemen reported over 20,000 to 40,000 cases of measles last year, making it the country with the highest incidence of the disease. Additionally, India, which ranks fourth globally for measles cases, saw over 40,000 Indian immigrants illegally crossing the southern U.S. border last year.
The issue of under-vaccination is not limited to the United States alone, as there were a staggering 9 million measles cases worldwide last year. The lack of proper screening for measles among travelers, both legal and illegal, entering the U.S. raises concerns about the potential for disease spread. Cases of tuberculosis, polio, scabies, and various other viruses have also been reported among migrants in states like California, Arizona, and Texas.
Measles, known as the most contagious virus globally, underscores the importance of vaccination to prevent its spread. However, the lack of comprehensive screening measures for infectious diseases poses a significant challenge, allowing diseases to enter the country unchecked. The urgency of addressing this issue is further highlighted by the global scale of the problem, emphasizing the need for enhanced vaccination efforts and border health security measures.
