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41
To avoid misunderstanding, it may be as well to repeat
that we are very far from under-rating a system of isolation.
We have already dwelt upon its importance. But what it
can accomplish as an auxiliary to vaccination is one thing,
whether it can be relied on in its stead is quite another
thing.
As outbreaks of small-pox have not unfrequently had
their origin in the introduction of the disease to common
lodging-houses by tramps, further control over such houses
and common shelters is recommended.
E.—Af to whether any alterations should be made in the
arrangements and proceedings for securing the performance of
vaccination, and, in particular, in those provisions of the
Vaccination Acts with respect to prosecutions for non-compliance
with the Law.
(529) We have no hesitation in expressing the opinion that
the Scotch system is in some respects, to which we have called
attention, superior to that prevailing in the other parts of the
United Kingdom. Its great merit lies in this, that the
defaulters are sought out in their own homes by the official
vaccinator, and then and there vaccinated by him, unless
the parents object or circumstances render postponement
desirable.
(531) We have already said that in our opinion the State is
bound to sec that a supply of calf lymph is within the reach
of every vaccinator.
(533) In view of the great importance of re-vaccination, we
think it should be in every way encouraged. If an adequate
fee were allowed in every case of successful revaccination, by
whatever medical man it was performed, we think there
would probably be a large extension of the practice. We
think steps should be taken to impress on parents the importance
of having their children revaccinated not later than
at the age of twelve years. We recommend further, that
when small-pox shows signs of becoming epidemic, special