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59
The Schick Test and Immunisation against Diphtheria.—This
work is carried out by the Medical Officer of Health once a week
at the Barton House Maternity and Child Welfare Centre.
In every case before a child is given an injection the consent
of the parent or guardian is obtained in writing.
The figures in respect of Schick testing and Immunisation
are as follows:—
Of 27 Schick tested 22 were found to be positive and 5 negative.
22 completed the preliminary course of three immunising
injections.
During the year, 29 children were re-Schick tested at intervals
of three to four months, after the immunising treatment. Of
these, 19 were found to be definitely negative and 10 to be still
positive ; 4 were given a further injection and in 6 instances it was
thought advisable to give a fifth injection to secure adequate protection.
The number of children protected during the year cannot be
considered satisfactory, but dissemination of information on the
subject of Diphtheria protection was continued by means of leaflets
drawing attention to the danger of the disease and to the facilities
for immunisation available at the Council's Welfare Centres.
Diphtheria Anti-toxin.—A supply of Anti-toxin is kept in the
Public Health Department for sale to local medical practitioners
in urgent cases.
During the year, 5 tubes of 8,000 units were supplied free for
necessitous cases, and one tube of 8,000 units was sold to a medical
practitioner.
Enteric Fever.—No cases of Typhoid Fever were notified,
but the death of a resident residing in another area was registered
as being due to this disease.
Puerperal Fever.—Two cases were notified with no deaths
as compared with 2 notifications and 1 death the previous year.
Both cases received hospital treatment.