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among the group as a whole. No proof was found that children
immunised by the "combined" method were more likely or less
likely to develop whooping cough. An article on the above follow-up
is now with the Editor of the "British Medical Journal" and, we
hope, may be accepted.
The Medical Research Council during 1956 reported that inoculation
with certain of the prophylactics used against diphtheria or
whooping cough involves some risk of provoking paralysis due to
poliomyelitis and as a result official policy now propounds that only
certain vaccines should be used against diphtheria and in order
to minimise the risk of paralysis that vaccines should be used
separately, despite the disadvantages and dangers of submitting
children to an increased number of injections and the likely falling of
in numbers seeking immunization.
Because of the extreme rarity of the complications referred to
in this report of the Medical Research Council, there remains amongst
doctors and the public much support for the policy of using combined
vaccines when inoculating children. It is felt by many that the need
of fewer pricks and fewer trips to clinic or surgery would encourage
a higher proportion of persons to be protected against more diseases
thereby outweighing the hypothetical risk involved in the use of
combined vaccines.
For protection at present a baby must be give three injections
at monthly intervals for whooping cough, two injections for diphtheria
and three for Tetanus, totalling eight injections in all. The same
degree of protection can be conferred from an early age, as Barking
has confirmed, by three injections only, using a triple vaccine.
Dr. Spiller was the instigator of this piece of research in 1953 and
continues to be its mainstay.
PREVENTION OF ILLESS, CARE AND AFTER-CARE
Chiropody Service
This remains a popular service and during the year
attendances were made.
Sick Room Equipment.
This continues to be much in demand and helps greatly to assist
the nursing of patients at home. At the end of the year just over
500 articles were out on loan.
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