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37
E.— As 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 at 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 see 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 re-vaccination,
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 re-vaccinated not later than
at the age of twelve years. We recommend further, that
when small-pox shows signs of becoming epidemic, special
facilities should be afforded both for vaccination and revaccination.
It is in connection with the last part of their inquiry, namely—
whether any alterations should be made in the Vaccination Acts with
respect to prosecutions for non-compliance with the Law—that the
greatest differences of opinion have been expressed.