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As the year comes to a close, flu season is kicking into high gear. For most people who simply have to find the time to get a flu shot at their doctor's office or local pharmacy, this is an inconvenience. For children in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody, it could be a death sentence.

Sign the petition and demand that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) allow detained migrants, many of them children, access to the flu vaccine!

Three detained migrant children, ages 2, 6, and 16, have already died from influenza this year. That's why the organization Doctors for Camp Closure begged the Trump administration to allow them to set up a flu vaccine clinic for migrants and asylum seekers in CBP custody. This would cost the government nothing and save countless lives — but it was shot down for no apparent reason.

The doctors of the organization, knowing this was cruel and unfair, decided to protest. But instead of conceding, the government sent federal authorities in full military gear to arrest them.

CBP detention facilities are creating a medical emergency. When people are kept in crowded conditions for long periods of time, infectious disease is inevitable. Current facilities were designed to hold people for up to 72 hours, but in reality they are being held much longer. In the previous decade, before the Trump administration's heinous policies took effect, not a single child died in custody. Last year, six passed away after being detained.

The doctors who were arrested have since been cited and released, although it is unclear what the feds cited them for — there's nothing wrong with fighting for what's right. Now that they are free again, they must be allowed to do the important work of saving lives at the border.

These deaths must end! Tell Trump administration to approve the vaccination of detained migrants and asylum seekers immediately.

Thank you,

Lauren W.
The Care2 Petitions Team

P.S. Doctors who are fighting to save lives should be supported, not arrested. Tell the U.S. government just that by signing the petition today.