PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Marlin-Romeo, says the Collective Prevention Services of the Ministry of Health, placed an article in the newspaper urging persons with high risk diseases to get vaccinated for the flu.
“As one of the founders of the Sickle Cell Foundation and considering the change of weather, I would like to re-emphasize the need for parents of all Sickle Cell Disease children to ensure that their kids receive the flu shot and ensure that their children are properly vaccinated.
“Children with the disease are hospitalized with influenza more often than other children. The call for flu shots by the department should not be disregarded as kids with Sickle Cell Disease are considered as high risks for complications from the flu.
“The vaccine is administered by the general practitioners, therefore parents should make this a priority, as getting vaccinated is one of the preventative measures of avoiding a sickle cell crisis,” MP Leona Marlin-Romeo concluded.
Sickle Cell disease is a genetic disorder marked by abnormally shaped red blood cells, for more information please contact your general practitioner and for information on sickle disease contact: sxmscf@hotmail.com, Tel# 588-7723/550-2355, MP Marlin-Romeo shared.
