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15. Most children under one year of age are immune
from Diphtheria and it is therefore not considered
necessary to immunise them. After the age of twelve
years the risk of contracting Diphtheria diminishes
rapidly and the Council does not propose, at present,
to pay fees in respect of persons over this age. In these
circumstances, if a medical practitioner desires to
immunise infants under twelve months or persons over
twelve years of age, it will be necessary for him to
arrange for a private fee to be paid for his services and
for the services of the immunisation expert, if desired.
16. As the majority of children between the ages of
one and five years are susceptible to Diphtheria, it is
not essential to apply the Schick test, and immunisation can be recommended immediately (except in the
case of those who have had Diphtheria).
17. A medical practitioner should not undertake
immunisation until the appropriate facts have been
placed before the parent or guardian.
18. If the Schick test after the immunising injections have been given, proves positive, the expert will
advise the medical practitioner to give further injections, and on evidence being produced that these have
been given, the Council will agree to pay an additional
fee of ten shillings, subject, however, to the limitation
of liability indicated under heading (12) above.
19. Arrangements will be made for children to be
Schick tested and immunised at the Infant Welfare
Centres at West way and 48, Glenthorne Road.
20. The Council, by means of the usual health propaganda channels, will bring to the notice of Hammersmith residents the fact that Diphtheria can be prevented and that those who desire security for their
children should apply to their own family doctor.