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
Bermondsey 1958
Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1958
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Immunisation
During the year it is reported that some 7,600,000 people were
immunised in Great Britain against Poliomyelitis and yet there is
still a reluctance on the part of parents to accept this procedure for
the protection of their children. Similarly, the immunisation
programme in regard to diphtheria and whooping cough is
jeopardised by the apathy of parents.
The following table records the immunisations carried out in the Borough during the year.
| Completed Cases | Welfare Centres and Nurseries | General Practitioners | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 5—14 | Under 5 years | 5—14 | ||
| Diphtheria Prophylaxis only | 151 | 49 | 28 | 7 | 235 |
| Combined antigen: Diphtheria and Whooping Cough | 78 | 9 | 49 | 3 | 139 |
| Triple antigen: Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus | 390 | 1 | 93 | — | 484 |
| Diphtheria Boosting doses—all ages | 661 | 73 | 734 | ||
| Whooping Cough only— all ages (completed cases) | 64 | 5 | 69 | ||
Subsequent to the introduction of the scheme for protection
against poliomyelitis, it has been shown that the risks of getting
paralysis are eight times as high in the unprotected as in those who
have been immunised.
Dysentery
In the early part of July an outbreak of dysentery occurred,
involving 62 children. During the course of investigation into the
cause and mode of spread of the outbreak the school was visited
and a report was made to the London County Council on the
unsatisfactory conditions found.
As many as 4 out of 5 lavatories were found to be defective and
at least a quarter were nailed up as repairs had not been effected.
In addition to this, however, the dining rooms, and particularly
the facilities for washing up, were found to be both defective and
inadequate. After some 4or 5 months a new draining board has
been fitted to one of the sinks. It had been in the dining room for
at least two months before being fitted. As to providing double
sinks and adequate hot water—so far only seven months have
passed and only one further outbreak of dysentery has occurred.
No amount of health lectures or propaganda by means of
pretty pictures is going to educate the young child if his school
environment is to be allowed to be so deplorable !