View report page

susceptibility of individuals to diphtheria and immunisation of
positive reactors with toxin, antitoxin or with toxoid antitoxin
solutions is being watched very carefully. No attempt has yet
been made to inaugurate this method of protection in the
Borough, although favourable results have been received in places
where artificial immunisation has been practised. The medical
profession as a whole are becoming more convinced that the
Schick test does distinguish between the susceptible and the
immune, that the process of immunisation does render the susceptible
immune, and that this immunity is of sufficient duration
to be of real value, and that the whole process is free from risk.
Next comes the greater difficulty of persuading the public to
accept the introduction of this new principle. Objections are
sure to be raised, especially in a community where there is
already an extreme feeling against vaccination. Nevertheless,
many mothers who know of the danger of their children contracting
diphtheria, and who live in dread of such an event
happening, would welcome an opportunity of making their offspring
immune by inoculation. lam convinced of the necessity
for the provision of facilities for immunisation against diphtheria,
and as children under five years of age are very susceptible to
this disease a commencement might be made with those in this
age group. At the same time an intensive propaganda campaign
should be started as to the value of diphtheria prevention by this
means.
Diphtheria Antitoxin.
Phials, containing 500 units for prophylactic and 8,000 units
for treatment purposes, are available free of charge on application
by Medical Practitioners during the day, between the hours of
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., at the Public Health Department, 35, Brunswick
Square, S.E. 5, and at the Dulwich Baths, East Dulwich
Road, S.E. 22, and at all hours, day and night, at the Camberwell
Town Hall, Peckham Eoad, S.E. 5.
In 1922 a circular was sent to all medical practitioners of the
Borough emphasising the value of antitoxin, and pointing out
that the earlier antitoxin is given in a case of diphtheria the better
the chance of recovery. In 1925, 36 phials for prophylactic and
87 phials for treatment purposes were issued.
Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fevers.
It speaks well of the hygiene of this country, and of London
in particular, that so few cases of this disease occur.
The action taken in tracing the source of infection and the
careful guarding against contaminated water and food supplies
has helped to bring about this satisfactory state of affairs.