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24
Diphtheria Immunisation.
Diphtheria immunisation was continued until the 4th July, 1948,
at Southlands and, in addition, immunisation was also carried out
at Nine Elms Welfare Centre, where 62 first and 47 second injections
were given.

Arrangements were in force tor private practitioners to immunise
children who were unable to attend the clinic, and 9 children were
immunised in this way.
The Schick test was offered to all children who had been immunised
whether at the Council's clinic or elsewhere. It was found that
99.6 per cent, of the children tested after inoculation were Schick
negative. A very stringent standard was maintained in reading the test
and most of those found to be Schick positive showed by the mildness
of the reaction that they had attained a considerable degree of protection
against diphtheria.
There were no Battersea deaths from diphtheria during 1948.
Immunisation against Whooping Cough was commenced on the
25th May, 1948, at Southlands, and held in conjunction with the
Diphtheria Immunisation Clinic. There were 158 attendances at
6 sessions. 140 children attended, 18 of whom received second injections.
No children completed a course of immunisation before the
4th July, 1948, when the clinic was taken over by the London County
Council.
TUBERCULOSIS.
During the year 1948 there were 213 cases of Tuberculosis (all
forms) notified in Battersea as compared with 162 in 1947, 228 in 1946,
199 in 1945, 184 in 1944 and 233 in 1943.
In addition, 39 cases were reported or otherwise came to the knowledge
of the Medical Officer of Health, making a total of 252 cases
for the year.
The case rate per 100,000 population was 216.3.
The following tables give details in age groups of the 252 cases.