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35
given on the facilities available to them and help given in obtaining
them. After the initial call, periodic visits arepaid
to ensure that' their needs are being adequately met and that
there are no signs of physical or mental deterioration which may
necessitate a period of specialist treatment.
However much the scope of the Health Visitor's work may
change, her best work will always be done in the homes of the
families under her care.
Figures of work carried out are shown in Appendix, page 108.
IMMUNISATION
Last year, I commented upon the use of triple antigen,
which combined in a course of three injections immunity against
diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. A report of the Medical
Research Council and a subsequent Circular from the Ministry of
Health drew attention to the small but measurable risk of provocation
paralysis associated with the use of certain immunising
agents. After consultation with the Local Medical Committee, it
was agreed that the use of triple antigen should be restricted
to the six months, October to March inclusive, and single diphtheria
or whooping cough antigens used in the remaining months.
Vaccinations against smallpox or poliomyelitis are not
affected by this decision and in fact, I think that the timing
of other immunisation procedures will depend not upon the age of
the child but upon the period of year concerned.
Supplies of poliomyelitis vaccine were small and no special
measures were necessary until the promise of Salk vaccine at the
end of the year necessitated a fresh offer to the new groups who
were to be eligible for vaccination in 1958.
The usual tables are given in the Appendix, page 120.