Essential Elements of Care for the
Child with Sickle Cell Disease

1.	Prompt medical care due to: increased susceptibility to infection and the high probability of splenic sequestration crisis.
2.	Administer prophylactic penicillin.
3.	Pneumovax immunization at 2 and 5 years of age and a booster every 5 years thereafter.
4.	An initial and then annual pediatric hematology evaluations.
5.	Family testing and genetic counseling for the parents, a "couple at risk".
6.	Availability of prenatal diagnosis for "couples at risk".
7.	Ongoing pediatric medical follow-up to include both sick and well child care.
8.	Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease and other Hemoglobinopathies.