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92
I am conscious of the fact that in many towns where the social
circumstances of the people are happily more fortunate than the
circumstances of the majority of the people of Barking, it may be
possible to treat mild cases of scarlet fever and diphtheria at home,
but with such a highly industrial population as you have in your
area, the possibility of a large number of cases being suitably treated
at home is very remote indeed.
It has been for a long time now the custom to take in cases of
measles, when such cases are complicated by broncho-pneumonia
or any other serious complication, and when beds are available,
and it is hoped that when the new hospital is opened we shall have
more beds available for the admission of these very serious cases.
48. VACCINATION.
No primary vaccinations or re-vaccinations have been carried
out by your Medical Officer of Health, but your Medical Officer
works in the closest co-operation with the Public Vaccinator.
Dr. McDonald, who is early notified of any persons who, in tinopinion
of the Public Health Department, should be vaccinated.
49. EXAMINATION OF PATHOLOGICAL SPECIMENS, Etc.
In a previous table I have shown the use that has been made of
the facilities provided for the examination of pathological and
bacteriological specimens, but I am to report that no use has been
made of the Schick and Dick tests in diphtheria and scarlet fever
respectively, or of the artificial methods of immunization against
these diseases.
My own feeling is that any parent who wishes his child to be
immunized against diphtheria or scarlet fever ehould be afforded
facilities for this to be carried out, but at the same time I think
it is to be remembered that by immunizing only a small percentage
of the population we may be increasing the number of potential
carriers of the disease—i.e., persons who may have become infected
and show none of the ordinary signs of the malady.
I have already advised you along these lines, and hope that the
time will soon come when you will be prepared for Schick and Dick
testing to be carried out at the request of parents and for any
necessary immunization to be effected.