London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Barking 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]
This page requires JavaScript
POLIOMYELITIS VACCINATION
| Year of Birth | Primary Vaccination | Children who received a booster dose |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 8 | - |
| 1971 | 1,359 | 9 |
| 1970 | 353 | 25 |
| 1969 | 51 | 38 |
| 1965-68 | 185 | 1,995 |
| Others under age 16 | 63 | 1,903 |
| Total all ages | 2,019 | 3,970 |
B.C.G. VACCINATION
B.C.G. vaccination is a safe and very effective method of protecting the individual against
tuberculosis. Extensive trials in England and Wales have shown that it provides 80% protection
against subsequent tuberculous infection. The protection is long lasting and remains substantial
for 10 or more years after vaccination.
During 1972, 964 children were given B.C.G. vaccine, a decrease of 401 over 1971. 79
pupils had a Grade 2 or more reaction to Heaf testing and were referred to the Consultant Chest
Physician for further investigation. It is now our policy to vaccinate children showing Grade 1
response to Heaf testing as it is more than probable that their response to the Heaf test is due to
mycobacteria other than tuberculosis.
In addition 194 contacts of tuberculosis were vaccinated by the Chest Physician, and 34
babies were vaccinated at birth.
RUBELLA VACCINATION
Number of girls vaccinated between their 11th and 14th birthday - 1,844.
This programme of immunisation of girls should, in the years ahead, lead to a declining
incidence of children handicapped by the rubella syndrome which includes defects of hearing
and vision and also defects of the heart.
31.