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A close watch is maintained on the incidence of infectious disease in schools and in this context I am
indebted to the teaching staff for supplying early information about illness in the schools, and to the general
practitioners, medical officers, public health inspectors and health visitors for co-ordinating the investigation
and management of cases and contacts.
Prophylaxis
Action has been taken to increase the number of school children protected against infectious diseases.

Vaccination Against Rubella
In accordance with Circular 11/70 from the Department of Health and Social Security, arrangements were
made for vaccination of girls attending Hammersmith schools who were in their fourteenth year of life. The
object was to ensure that as many girls as possible are offered protection against Rubella by vaccination before
reaching child-bearing age because of the known association of certain foetal abnormalities with Rubella
infection in pregnancy.
The scheme commenced during the Autumn term of 1970 and despite initial difficulties due to delay in the
supply of vaccine, 417 girls were vaccinated by the end of the first year out of an estimated potential total of
1,000.
The exercise continued immediately on resumption of school in the Spring term of 1972. Ultimately
vaccination will be offered to all girls between their 11th and 14th birthdays.
The total number of girls vaccinated against Rubella in 1972 was 1,273 (1,291).
B.C.G. Vaccination of Scholchildren
The vaccination of children against tuberculosis with B.C.G. (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) was first
introduced in London schools in 1954 and has now become a routine procedure. This is normally carried out
every year in the autumn and spring terms and this protective measure is offered to all eligible children aged 13
years +. Children whose skin tests show a negative result and who have not been subject to tuberculous
infection are vaccinated; children showing a positive result are referred to the Chest Physicians for X-Ray and
any further necessary investigation and treatment.
1. No. of children tuberculin-tested 2,933 (2,313)
2. No. of children found positive to test 534 (558)
3. No. of children positive to test who were X-rayed 335 (270)
4. No. of children found negative to test 2,212 (1,585)
5. No. of children vaccinated 2,202 (1,580)
Kecuperative Holidays
Arrangements are made under the Education Act, 1944, for recuperative holidays, without charge to the
parents, for school children in need of rest, fresh air and good food.
The total number of children from Hammersmith schools who went on a recuperative holiday during 1972
was 147 (211).
Vision Clinics
There are three Vision Clinics in the Borough at Fulham Treatment Centre, Bagleys Lane, S.W.6., at St.
Dunstan's Treatment Centre, W.6. and at Hammersmith School Treatment Centre, 103 Shepherds Bush
Road, W.6. The Ophthalmologists are officers of the South West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board and,
by arrangements made through the I.L.E.A., undertake a total of 8 or 9 sessions a week. Referrals to the Clinic
mainly arise from school medical inspections and an Optician is in attendance to deal with prescriptions for
glasses at the parent's discretion.

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