With school based vaccination clinics starting this week in Rhode Island, the news of another child's death from the H1N1 flu brings the stark reality of the possible effects from the H1N1 Swine flu. Rhode Island children Victoria Sousa ,12, died last Monday and Skyla J. Reposa-Alves, 12, of Lincoln died over the weekend. Both girls tested positive for H1N1.
Dr. David Gifford, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, confirmed that the two Rhode Island girls who died in the last week in Rhode Island died from the H1N1 flu virus.
During a Tuesday morning briefing, Gifford also confirmed an adult between 40- and 50-years-old who died Monday may have also had the virus. That person did have an underlying medical condition.
The first round of school-based vaccination clinics began in Rhode Island this week. Gifford stated that about 76 percent of students at the 10 participating schools turned out to get their vaccination on Monday. Another 14 schools are scheduled to have clinics Tuesday afternoon and the clinics will continue all week.
Last week, with the passing of their 12 year old daughter, Victoria Sousa of Bristol, RI, her parents urged other families to take action to protect their children from H1N1.
"Victoria’s passing has focused people’s attention to the seriousness of the H1N1 virus better known as the Swine Flu," it read. " This virus is a serious medical issue and we urge all parents in RI and beyond to take this virus seriously. We also urge all parents to have your children vaccinated as soon as possible."
The latest H1N1 child fatality was reported by Hasbro Children's Hospital. Skyla J. Raposa-Alves, 12, a special needs student, died just days before her 13th birthday this past weekend, her grandmother confirmed.
Parents should be vigilant and informed about the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine. More information is on the CDC site or can be obtained by a child's pediatrician.
If you are in Rhode Island, the full H1N1 Flu vaccine clinic schedule is here: RI H1N1 School Clinic Listing
Cheryl Phillips
HULIQ.com
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