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material for immunization was supplied free of cost by Messrs. Burroughs, Wellcome & Co.
The tests and treatment were carried out on 72 scholars by the Medical Officers of the
Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Medical Officer of Health and Medical Officers
of the London County Council. It was left to the Modical Attendant of the Home to
complete the series of injections and to re-test at the end of throe months.
As in the case of vaccination it is not anticipated that treatment of this kind will be
universally acceptable to those on whose behalf it is undertaken. A Sanitary Authority,
however, which adopts the Schick methods cannot be charged with neglecting to adopt
the most modern and complete weapons at its disposal for the prevention of a dangerous
and infectious disease.
Sir George Newman, the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry, considers that the
time is ripe for making this treatment available for the child population. He suggests
that it should be done in connection with the Maternity and Child Welfare Centres, as
children under the age of 5 are the most susceptible to diphtheria, and are most likely
to die from it.
The entire cost of the testing and treatment is estimated not to exceed the cost of
3s. per head. Should the Committee consider it desirable to adopt this scheme of treatment
it could be carried out by the existing staff and in existing premises in connection
with the Maternity and Child Welfare Scheme of the Council.
The Schick work was instituted in the City as a municipal scheme in
June, 1926, when the re-testing of those previously immunized and the
immunization of new boys at Newport Market School were performed.
A special circular letter was sent to all doctors practising in the City,
informing them about the Schick work and inviting their co-operation.
Leaflets were printed and distributed by the sanitary inspectors and
health visitors, particularly in homes where there had been severe cases
of diphtheria. The inoculations are entirely voluntary, and whether
they are taken advantage of depends very largely on the powers of
explanation and persuasion exercised by the health visitors. As a result
of their enthusiastic efforts many are anxious to apply for the Schick treatment.
Dr. Thomson, the Assistant Medical Officer, submits the following
report on the immunization which he has carried out to the end of the year.
Before concluding this note on the Schick work it must again be remarked
that unless a re-test is performed after immunization there is no means
of knowing whether the protection has become effective or not. This
point must be constantly brought before the public, as it is one of
cardinal importance.
REPORT ON THE SCHICK TEST AND DIPHTHERIA IMMUNIZATION
TREATMENT IN WESTMINSTER, 1925-26.
" Following a small outbreak of Diphtheria in Newport Market Army Training School
in March, 1925, the boys of this school were tested for susceptibility to Diphtheria by means
of the Schick Test. Tho records show that about 53 boys were tested, of whom 17 were
considered to be susceptiblo and received two or three immunizing injections, each injection
consisting of 1 c.c. of Toxin-antitoxin mixture.
In June, 1926, one boy in the school contracted Diphtheria, and four others were
found to be germ carriers. None of these boys had received immunising treatment.
They were removed to hospital, where the four carriers were Schick tested, all with negative
results.