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B.C.C. VACCINATION
In the effort to eradicate tuberculosis, B.C.G. vaccination was again undertaken, with parental consent, on
children in the 13-14 year age group, who are found to need this form of protection following upon a skin test. In
addition, those who are shown by the skin test to need further investigation are referred, with the approval of the
family doctor, to the appropriate Chest Clinic.
During the year 3,309 children received a skin test and the 2,806 negative reactors received B.C.G. vaccination.
Of the 297 children who were found to have a positive reaction to the skin test, 81 were referred to the appropriate
Chest Clinic for further investigation. No further action was necessary in the case of the remaining 216 children who
gave a positive reaction because of previous B.C.G. vaccination.
RUBELLA
Rubella vaccination was initially introduced into the School Health Service Immunisation Programme in
September, 1970.
At that time the Department of Health and Social Security recommended that vaccination against Rubella
(German Measles) should be offered to all girls between their 11th and 14th birthdays, with initial priority being
given to the older girls in this group. This to ensure that as many girls as possible were offered protection against
Rubella by vaccination, before reaching child-bearing age. Although the disease itself is mild, there are wellestablished
associations between an attack of Rubella during pregnancy and the occurrence of serious abnormalities
in the unborn child. Due to an intensive programme in 1971, vaccination of the lowest possible age group within the
category laid down, has now been achieved.