London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Tottenham 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tottenham]
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101
Immunisation against Diphtheria and Whooping Cough
Owing to an outbreak of poliomyelitis in Tottenham during the
summer, the diphtheria immunisation campaign was suspended during
July and August. Efforts to make up the arrears were intensified
during the latter part of the year and the results achieved over
the whole year compared not unfavourably with the previous year.
The following table shows the total number of immunisations of all age groups carried out during 1956:-
| Age at date of immunisation | No. of children immunised | No* of children given re inforcing injections | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria only | Combined Diphtheria & Whooping Cough | Whooping Cough only | Diphtheria only | Combined Diphtheria & Whooping Cough | |
| Under One | 38 | 1,663 | - | - | 2 |
| One | 41 | 326 | 9 | - | 1 |
| Two to Four | 40 | 107 | 6 | 451 | 30 |
| Five to Fourteen | 169 | 23 | 3 | 672 | 35 |
| Fifteen and Over | 1 | - | - | - | |
| Totals | 289 | 2,119 | 18 | 1,123 | 68 |
Vaccination against Poliomyelitis
In accordance with Ministry of Health Circular No. 2/56 the
County Council decided to take part in a limited scheme to provide
vaccination against poliomyelitis during May and June for children
born between 1947 and 1954, In the early part of the year leaflets
and consent cards were distributed through the schools to children
to take home to their parents. Publicity in respect of vaccination
for children born before 1955 and not attending school was arranged
through the welfare centres and by the distribution of leaflets
locally in addition to the publicity given in the National Press.
The number of consents received was 5 983 equivalent to 23% of
children in the eligible age groups.
Vaccination of children in Nationally selected age groups was
carried out at local clinics during May and June and a few children
who received only one injection then were given their second
injection in December when a further small supply of vaccine was
received.