‘It’s a need’: Local lawmakers push to vaccinate parents of kids undergoing chemotherapy
"There are some things that are nice to have and there are some things that we need to have... and this is definitely in that needs to happen category."
CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE)- On Wednesday, two local lawmakers showed their support in the push to vaccinate parents or caregivers with children undergoing chemotherapy. Representative Barbara Ann Fenton- Fung and Representative Casimiro say vaccinating those closest to these children, would save many lives.
In a statement released by both lawmakers on Wednesday, they said, “This places them between a rock and a hard place in that they need to be there physically caring for their loved ones, yet their sheer presence may infect a patient without the immune capabilities to fight this potentially fatal virus.”
Rep. Fenton- Fung told ABC6 in an interview, “This is an opportunity for us {Rhode Island} to get it right with vaccinations.”
A large voice behind this push; Troy Peck and his wife Ashley from Cranston. Last month, their 1-year-old daughter, Aspen, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia.
Spending most of their days now traveling in and out of hospitals, the Peck family said that getting the COVID-19 vaccine would be a huge relief.
Troy said one of their main missions since his daughter’s devastating diagnosis was to get the attention of lawmakers to make this exception. Now with the help of Reps. Fenton- Fund and Casimiro; it’s a goal that is seemingly becoming more and more likely.
“We are currently dealing with a pandemic… and trying to access the vaccine to ensure that we don’t get sick so that we can provide around the clock care that our daughter needs,” Troy said.
The push for this change comes just days after UCLA scientists confirmed the COVID-19 vaccine reduces disease transmission between two parties.
Both representatives say a formal resolution of these considerations will be brought to the House, next week.
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