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WHOOPING COUGH IMMUNISATION.
From the beginning of August all the private doctors in the
District sending in reports of complete courses of immunisation
against whooping cough with a prescribed vaccine have been paid
a similar fee to that which has been payable for years in respect
of diphtheria immunisation. It was not practicable, however,
to offer this treatment at the Welfare Centres until January, 1953.
By the end of the year 79 records of completed primary courses
had been received and 10 of booster doses which had been given.
At present it is recommended that 3 doses of whooping cough
vaccine should be given (usually combined with a diphtheria
immunisation agent) at monthly intervals, commencing at the
sixth month, and a 'booster' dose at 2 years, but with experience
this time table may be varied.
BACTERIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL EXAMINATIONS.
Almost all the specimens requiring bacteriological examination
in the interests of the public health are sent to the
Public Health Laboratory, West Hill House, West Hill Road.
Epsom, and during 1952 reports were received on the following
specimens :—
Milk, ice cream, and water samples 414
Nose or throat swabs 60
Sputum 1
Faeces
Food 27
Samples of water requiring chemical analysis, and milk
for biological examinations are sent by the Local Authority
to The Clinical Research Association, while Food and Drug
samples are submitted to the Public Analyst.
DISINFECTION.
The disinfection of bedding, etc., is undertaken at the
Wandle Valley Hospital, while the disinfection of premises
is carried out by the officers of the Public Health Department.
For the convenience of ratepayers, the Council has decided
to arrange disinfection even when this is not essential in the
interests of public health, but in these cases the following
charges are made :—
£1 per load of bedding, etc., 5s. for the first room and
2s. 6d. for each additional room disinfected at the same
time.
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