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6
Compared with the figures for the previous year there was a large
increase in the number of cases of both scarlet fever and acute influenzal
pneumonia. But there was a considerable diminution in the
number of cases of measles. Scabies became notifiable as from the 1st
of August.
Schick Clinic.—The diphtheria immunisation clinic was continued
throughout the year. The arrangement with the London County Council
whereby children who had been inoculated by the School Medical Officer,
attended for testing as to immunity, continued in force during the
year. The clinic was attended by 2,482 patients (1,439 new and 402 who
had been inoculated by school medical officers). Eight were found to
be immune on primary test, and 1,561 on test after inoculation.
As a result of the special campaign which aimed at securing the
immunisation of all children between the ages of 1 and 5, which was
completed during the year, it was found that of 5,403 children under 5
visited, it was stated that 2,301 were already immunised. Of the
remainder, the parents indicated their willingness to have immunisation
carried out in 2,657 cases and in only 445 instances the parents declined.
While it has been found impossible to produce reliable statistics
showing the effect of the campaign, the impression gained at the
immunisation clinic and by the Health Visitors was that the response
was poor and not commensurate with the work involved. It was most
noticeable in this connection that the best propaganda was undoubtedly
a broadcast talk, and the showing of a cinematograph film was also
effective.
The increase in the proportion of children known to have been
immunised has been slow and shows that much work still remains to be
done before mass-immunity of the population is assured. The estimated
figures are as follows : —
Age Group. June Dec.
0— 5 27.4% 29.4%
5—15 51.4% 54.9%
Arrangements were also made for private practitioners to immunise
children who were unable to attend the clinic and in this way 35
children were immunised.
The Schick test is offered to all children who have been immunised
whether by the School Medical Officers or at the Council's clinic, but the
response from the School immunised children has been rather low. It
was found that 96.7 % of the children tested after inoculation were
Schick negative. A very stringent standard was maintained in reading
the test and most of those found to be Schick positive showed by the
mildness of the reaction that they had attained a considerable degree of
protection against diphtheria.