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62
The Schick Test and Immunisation against Diphtheria.—This
work is carried out by the Medical Officer of Health once a week
at the Barton House Maternity and Child Welfare Centre.
In every case before a child is given an injection the consent
of the parent or guardian is obtained in writing.
During the year preliminary Schick testing of children under
the age of six years has been dispensed with owing to the experience
gained that the vast majority are susceptible to the disease.
Of 9 Schick tested from the age of 6 upwards all were found to
be positive.
24 completed the preliminary course of three immunising
injections.
During the year, 23 children were re-Schick tested at intervals
of three to four months, after the immunising treatment. Of
these, 15 were found to be definitely negative and 7 to be still
positive ; 7 were given a further injection and in 3 instances it was
thought advisable to give a fifth injection to secure adequate
protection.
One child who was re-Schick tested failed to attend for the
reading, and persuasion failed to induce the parent to have this
child re-tested.
The number of children protected during the year cannot be
considered satisfactory, but dissemination of information on the
subject of Diphtheria protection was continued by means of leaflets
drawing attention to the danger of the disease and to the facilities
for immunisation available at the Council's Welfare Centres.
I
Diphtheria Anti-toxin.—A supply of Anti-toxin is kept in the
Public Health Department for sale to local medical practitioners
in urgent cases.
During the year, 2 tubes of 8,GOO units were supplied free for
necessitous cases, and 6 tubes of 8,000 units were sold to medical
practitioners.