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of vaccination and that though after the lapse of some 9 or 10 years the
protective agency diminishes it still remains considerable, and possibly never
altogether ceases.
The Commissioners, however, recommend that the law relating to
infantile vaccination shall be relaxed and consider that conscientious
objectors should be let off by making a declaration before a Magistrate of
their objections, but hold that this need not result in a diminution of
vaccination but rather the reverse.
They also make a number of recommendations with regard to the
manner of performing the operation the most important of which are:—
That calf lymph shall be available for all vaccinations though not to
the exclusion of human if demanded.
That the age shall be extended from 3 to 6 or even 12 months provided
that the earlier age be reverted to if Small-pox appears in the community.
That the operation be performed and the arm subsequently inspected at
the child's own home, instead of at the vaccination station.
That vaccination shall be postponed should the child be living in an
insanitary house, or if Erysipelas, Scarlet Fever. Measles, or Chicken-pox
prevail near the residence or place of vaccination.
That medical attendance required in consequence of vaccination shall
be charged to the state.
Removal of the child from insanitary surroundings while it is under
vaccination is also recommended, if practicable.
Disinfection.
Infected articles were disinfected by the contractor, Mr. Lacy, Townmead
Wharf, by whom the articles were also collected.
The weight of the articles disinfected was 1,224 cwt., and the amount
paid by the Vestry to Mr. Lacy, £765 10s. 6d.
During the last four years the Vestry have paid for disinfecting infected
articles, £3,172, or an average of £793 a year.
The advisability of providing a disinfecting station of their own has been
frequently brought under the notice of the Vestry, and I trust that this year
one will be definitely arranged for, as I think the Vestry are fully agreed
that for economical, as well as for other reasons, this course is most
desirable.