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23
Immunisation against Diphtheria.
In 1932 T.A.F. was brought into use. It was found that
by giving two injections of this substance better results were
obtained than with three doses of T.A.M. The use of T.A.M.
was accordingly discontinued.
A.P.T. was first used in 1935, a single dose of 1 c.c. being
given, but in 1937 it was decided to revert to the use of T.A.F.,
giving two injections at weekly intervals. In 1939 A.P.T. was
brought into use again for immunising children, two £ c.c. doses
being given instead of one dose of 1 c.c.
Attendances. Only 318 persons attended the Clinics during
the year. This is the smallest number who have attended in
any one year since the Clinics were opened 13 years ago. The
total attendances since that date have been 11,834. The reduction
in 1940 is probably accounted for by the smaller number
of children resident in the Borough due to evacuation.
The Initial Schick Test. 128 persons were given this
test during the year, 75 of them showing a positive result, indicating
that they were susceptible to Diphtheria.
The number of persons tested in this manner since the Clinics
were opened in 1928 is 7,791 and of these 5,448, or 70 per cent.,
have reacted positive to the Test. 6,672 of the persons tested
were under the age of 15 years.
Number of Persons Immunised.
Immunity takes some little time to develop after the immunising
injections have been given, the actual period varying
in different people. It is only possible to say with certainty
that immunisation has been successful by giving the person concerned
a further test and obtaining a negative result. This test
is known as the Re-Schick Test. It has been found that the
best time to carry it out is some three or four months after the
injections have been given. Parents are advised to bring their
children to the Clinics at the appropriate time to have them re-