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1ll
B.C.G. vaccination of schoolchildren
The vaccination of children against tuberculosis with B.C.G.
(Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) was first introduced in London schools
in 1954 and has now become a routine procedure. This is normally
carried out every year in the autumn and spring terms and this
protective measure is offered to all eligible children aged 13 years.
Children whose skin tests show a negative result and who have
not been subject to tuberculous infection are vaccinated ; children
showing a positive result are referred to the Chest Physicians for
X-ray and any further necessary investigation and treatment.
The following table summarizes the results : —
(a) Number of eligible children 4,151
(b) Number of consents received 3,584
(c) Number of consents received for alleged
contacts of known cases of tuberculosis
(included in (b)) 15
(d) Number of children skin tested and read 3,171
(e) Positive reactors among (d) not previously
vaccinated 242 (8.4%)
(f) Positive reactors among (d) known to have
been previously vaccinated 323 (8.1%)
(g) Negative reactors among (d) 2,606 (80.3%)
(h) Number of children skin tested, but not
read (absentees) 261
(i) Number of children vaccinated 2,606
Vaccination against tuberculosis is also available to students in
training colleges. Of 138 students skin tested. 15 were vaccinated.
School dental service
Report by A. F. Weedon, B.D.S., D.D.P.H., R.C.S., Principal
Dental Officer.
It is desirable, I think, to borrow a term from another profession
and class 1970 as a "vintage year This was due to the zeal of
a happy and, until late in the year, permanent staff. Throughout
the whole year we had to replace only one dental surgery assistant
and it was not until the end of the year that there were any dental
officer resignations. These resulted from outside pressures and
there was mutual regret in December when two sessional officers
left the country. Additional staff were appointed. Mrs. MansellJones,
a former sessional officer was appointed to the Senior Dental
Officer post and two clerk/dental surgery assistants were appointed