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of this method of protecting the public. Sir George Newman, Chief
Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, in his Annual Report,
for the year, 1925, states: "As a result of improvement in material
and technique this method of prevention has now passed beyond the
experimental stage, and is widely regarded as the best way of protecting
against this disease." Further, he states: "As Antitoxin
has proved itself the best method of treatment, so immunisation
appears to be our best prophylactic."
The application of the Schick test is carried out by injecting
a minute quantity of testing fluid (toxin) into the skin. The test
is quickly made, with little or no pain either at the time or afterwards.
By examining the skin at the point of injection a week
later a doctor experienced in this work can tell whether a person
is protected or not. The mark on the skin soon fades and no scar
is left.
If it is found that the person is not protected and is thus liable
to contract the disease, immunisation can be secured by inoculation
with a small quantity of toxoid-antitoxin mixture. This inoculation
is performed on three separate occasions at weekly intervals. After
a lapse of three to six months the individual is again tested. The
protection is not fully developed until three to six months after the
inoculations.
As, however, most children between the ages of six months and
five years give a positive reaction to the Schick test, there is no
necessity for carrying out such test in their case before inoculation
unless it is specially requested.
Should the Committee consider it advisable to offer facilities for
the immunisation against diphtheria to children and adolescents
in this Borough, the following scheme of procedure has been drawn
up for your consideration and submission to the Ministry of Health
for their approval.
SCHEME FOR THE PROVISION OF SCHICK TEST AND
IMMUNISATION AGAINST DIPHTHERIA.
1. Notifying Public of Facilities Offered.
It will be necessary to issue an educational leaflet to all mothers
attending the Infant Welfare Centres, and if possible have the same