London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hornsey 1923

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hornsey, Borough of]

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— 16 —
"We have innoculated between 30 and 40, with 60 per
cent. favourable results."
"I was very pleased with results though I only used
it in five people—wish I had done more.
"I used this Vaccine in 25 patients, all of them with
chronic Catarrhal infections, with great comfort to my
patients and my own satisfaction."
"The other case was most satisfactory. The man
usually lost between 20 and 30 days per winter away from
work, and he did not miss his work for a day and he never
had a cold."
"It was especially noticed that patients who were subject
to catarrhal conditions did not suffer from their ailments
after they were innoculated."
"I am pleased to state that the 12 cases in which I
used it remained free from colds during the Winter."
These replies speak eloquently of the opinion of certain
among the Practitioners in this Town. It is a matter for regret
that the remainder did not think it worth while to reply to the
questionaire; for "field-research" of this nature is of the greatest
value to public health, and it is made all the more difficult
if only one-third of the doctors are prepared to co-operate with
the Public Health Department. However, it is evident that
a prima facie case has been made out in favour of this preventive
inoculation against catarrhal infections of the respiratory
system. For this reason the Town Council authorised again
this winter the distribution of a mixed vaccine to those doctors
who desired to use it; and equally good results may be expected
during the present winter.
Rut I would end these remarks on a note of caution. Although
there seems to be no doubt as to the value of this vaccine
in preventing respiratory infections, yet the protection afforded
by it must not be considered absolute and impregnable. In
some cases certainly the protection given by its use seems
to be complete; but in others it is only partial. However, it
is better to have a little protection than none at all, and I look
forward to the time when the public will demand protective
inoculation against respiratory infections as it demands to-day
a safe water supply and decent drainage. Hornsey has been a