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I think it can fairly be said that our scheme of immunisation
either against diphtheria alone or against diphtheria and pertus
sis, is comprehensive, and that so long as the present level of
immunisation is maintained,diphtheria will continue to be a com
paratively rare disease. For some time past I have been anxious
to use the new triple antigen which protects children against
diphtheria pertussis and tetanus. The Ministry of Health has
still not given its blessing to the use of the triple antigen,
however,and we must therefore wait until approval is forthcoming.
It will not be necessary for me to say that the work of immunisation
in Wood Green is carried out by the County Council. I
know, howevei, that the Borough Council is extremely interested
in this vital weapon and that it would wish to be fully informed
as to the precautions being taken in Wood Green.
For some time past we have not been entirely satisfied with
the literature available in respect of immunisation,particularly
immunisation against diphtheria. This especially applied to the
time-table advocated in the various pamphlets and leaflets at
present at our disposal since it was becoming more and more obvious
that the suggested time table very often conflicted with the advice
issued from the Area Health Office and given at our clinics.
I raised this matter at the Middlesex Medical Advisory Committee
and was invited to produce an up-to-date pamphlet which
would be generally acceptable throughout the county. I duly
prepared a statement after which I had several consultations
with the principal of the Ealing School of Art,where most attractive
illustrations have been drawn up, The general lay-out and
wording is now awaiting consideration and will it is hoped,
furnish a pamphlet which should be generally acceptable and of
practical use to parents.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever notifications during 1954 showed a marked de
cline over the figures for the previous year. The notifications
for the past three years were 93. 66 and 61 respectively.
The type of disease met with has been universally mild. Indeed,
it is extremely doubtful whether more than a percentage of
all the cases which occurred were ever seen by a doctor.
I would repeat the remarks which I made in last year- s Annual
Report, that scarlet fever may be going through a temporary phase
of reduced virulence. We must therefore continue to watch the
trend,and be prepared for a return at any time of the more severe
type of infection previously encountered.
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