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142
of smallpox or the devastating effects of diphtheria.
Moreover, apathy bred in this way is difficult to overcome except
by education and sustained publicity.
Doubtless the actual injections and vaccinations in themselves
are obstacles to the acceptance of protection by the public of these
immunising agents but in this respect combined antigens have
provided a partial answer.
In particular, a further step to make immunisation against
poliomyelitis more acceptable was contained in the Cohen Committee's
recommendation regarding the use of the new Sabin oral
vaccine. The Committee's advice, which has been taken by the
Government is as follows: —
(a) Sabin vaccine may be used both safely and effectively for
primary vaccination.
(b) Pending further study, Sabin vaccine should not be used
to complete a course of vaccination started with Salk
vaccine.
(c) So long as Salk vaccine is available, it should also be provided
for primary vaccinations if the doctor prefers it.
A Ministry of Health spokesman emphasised that while the
new vaccine will be made available for routine vaccination as soon
as possible, there must first be full discussion of technical and other
aspects with those who will be responsible for carrying out this
new form of vaccination, for while the vaccine is simple to administer,
its use on a widespread scale will entail special arrangements
for distribution and storage.
For routine immunisations a trivalent form of the vaccine, i.e.
one which contains polio virus of all three types, will be used and
the course will comprise three doses at intervals of four to eight
weeks.
The vaccine is likely to be given as drops on a lump of sugar,
or in syrup in the case of babies.
Financially and physically prevention is always better than
cure and health authorities, with the active support of parents
should take all practical steps to ensure that their charges are
furnished with the means to obtain the highest level of resistance.
Legislation.—During the current year no legislation concerning
infectious diseases was enacted.
The total number of Infectious Diseases notified under Section
144 of the Public Health Act, 1936, Section 192 of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936, and associated Orders and Regulations
was 1,944. Under the Public Health (Tuberculosis) Regulations.