New York City Health Commissioner Urges Vaccinations for Undocumented Immigrants

[The Epoch Times, April 18, 2023]New York City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan recently revealed that 50% of the recent influx of more than 50,000 undocumented immigrants have not been vaccinated against polio. Paralysis), many of which come from or pass through countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis. There is also an outbreak of chickenpox among undocumented immigrants living in municipal shelters.

According to the New York Post, in a letter to doctors and health care providers dated April 11, Vasan said more than 50,000 undocumented immigrants flooded into New York City in the past year to be screened for diseases and viruses. And vaccination should be a top priority.

He pointed out that the vaccination rates of these immigrants are very low, such as only about 50% of the highly contagious and potentially deadly polio vaccine; There is an outbreak of chickenpox among undocumented immigrant families in municipal shelters, with most cases occurring in unvaccinated children but also young adults.

Vasan urged doctors that undocumented immigrants should be asked for their vaccination records and entered into the citywide immunization registry. Children should be screened and urgently vaccinated with all required vaccinations. All immigrants aged 6 months and over should be vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and chickenpox as soon as possible, and those with symptoms of tuberculosis should have a chest X-ray.

He also asked the industry to assist immigrants to apply for medical insurance. Although they are undocumented or their immigration status is uncertain, children under the age of 18 can participate in Child Health Plus, pregnant women are eligible for Medicaid, and immigrants on bail can also participate. Public health insurance, and at least Emergency Medicaid for other undocumented immigrants.

Responsible editor: Chen Wenqi