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
Islington 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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| 1972 | 1971 | |
|---|---|---|
| Diphtheria | 2,270 | 1,588 |
| Whooping Cough | 2,052 | 1,386 |
| Tetanus | 2,316 | 1,632 |
| Polio | 2,299 | 1,654 |
| Diphtheria | 2,377 | 4,689 |
| Whooping Cough | 680 | 2,456 |
| Tetanus | 2,956 | 5,220 |
| Polio | 2,873 | 5,276 |
| Diphtheria | 73% | 81% |
| Whooping Cough | 79% | |
| Polio | 71% | 80% |
SMALLPOX VACCINATION
Arising from recommendations made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation
(Department of Health Circular CMO. 12/70), vaccination against smallpox is no longer recommended as a
routine in early infancy. It is still required for travellers to and from areas of the world where smallpox is
endemic, and is strongly advised for health service staff at risk of coming into contact with a case of smallpox.
Annual statistics are no longer required by the Department of Health.
It was decided, therefore, not to provide vaccination against smallpox from August, 1971 at Council
clinics for members of the public and the procedure has been deleted from the basic schedule of protection
offered to young children.
Arrangements are made for all medical, nursing and public health inspectorate staff to be offered
vaccination against smallpox on appointment and re-vaccination at 3-yearly intervals while remaining in the
Council's service.
The distribution of smallpox vaccine to general practitioners continues to be the responsibility of
local health authorities.
MEASLES
Protection against this disease is offered to children at 14 months of age but those found to have had
a previous infection are not vaccinated. During the year 1,693 children were vaccinated compared with
1,980 during 1971.
RUBELLA VACCINATION
Rubella vaccination is now offered as a routine to all first-year girls in secondary schools. During
1972, 12 schools were visited and 859 girls were vaccinated against the disease.
It is hoped by this routine vaccination to reduce the number of children born with congenital malformations
as a result of rubella infection of the mother during pregnancy.
B.C.G. VACCINATION
During the year 15 schools were visited. Heaf tests and readings were carried out on 1,472 children
and of these 1,339 were given B.C.G. vaccinations. Children with positive reactions (Grade 2 or over)
totalling 113 were referred to the chest clinic; 91 of these were X-rayed, 13 were found to need treatment
and 24 were kept under supervision by the Chest Physician.
B.C.G. vaccination is now offered to entrants of secondary schools at age 11.
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