London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Barking 1968
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]
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Poliomyelitis Vaccination
| Year of Birth | Primary Immunisation | Children who received a booster dose |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | 769 | 1 |
| 1967 | 1,202 | 557 |
| 1966 | 120 | 941 |
| 1965 | 44 | 146 |
| 1961 - 64 | 245 | 1,959 |
| Others under age 16 | 134 | 388 |
| Total all ages | 2,314 | 3,992 |
B.C.G. VACCINATION
B.C.G. vaccine has been in use for over 48 years. It is a safe and very
effective method of protecting the individual against tuberculosis. Extensive
trials in England and Wales have 6hown that it provides 80% protection against
subsequent tuberculous infection. The protection is long lasting and remains
substantial for 10 or more years after vaccination.
In spite of the beneficial results of vaccination the number of parents
accepting B.C.G. vaccine remains low. Certainly a major factor in the reluctance
to accept vaccination is a fear of the needle. A relatively new painless and
rapid method of B.C.G. vaccination is by the use of an intradermal jet injector
where a jet of air under pressure replaces the needle. Initial results suggest
that it is an effective and highly acceptable method of B.C.G. vaccination.
During the year 1968, 1,244 children were given B.C.G. vaccine, an increase
of 219 over 1967. The number of 13 year old children in the Borough is 2,300.
164 pupils (11%) had a positive Heaf Test and were referred to the
Consultant Chest Physician for chest radiography.
In addition 92 contacts of tuberculosis were vaccinated by the Chest Physician.
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