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VACCINATION AND IMMUNISATION
Details of the arrangements for vaccination and immunisation under Section
26 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, are given elsewhere in the report.
Under these arrangements children by the time they are admitted to school, should
have received primary immunisation; but consent forms for diphtheria, tetanus and
poliomyelitis immunisations are issued to all school entrants in order to try to
ensure that all children whose parents have not yet taken advantage of the facilities
available may have this further opportunity. In addition, further consent forms
for diphtheria and tetanus immunisation are issued for children of eight years
of age for a reinforcing dose.
Under Section 28 of the National Health Service Act, 1946, authority has been
given to local health authorities to offer B.C.G. vaccination against tuberculosis
to contacts, staff likely to be exposed to infection, and certain groups of children and
students, including school children between their thirteenth and fourteenth birthdays,
as at this age it offers protection during those years in which the adolescent
is both susceptible and most likely to be exposed to infection.
During the year, 2,506 pupils about 13 years of age attending maintained and
independent schools were given B.C.G. vaccination.
Of the 3,753 children eligible for B.C.G. vaccination, the parents of 76.9%
consented to have a tuberculin skin test carried out. 88.7% of the children so
tested were found to require B.C.G. vaccination and 88.3% of those tested were
vaccinated.
(Statistical Table 62—see page 144)
EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN
In accordance with the Bye-laws made under the Children and Young Persons
Act, 1933 (amended by the Education Acts), it is necessary for a certificate from
a medical officer in the service of the local authority that employment will not be
prejudicial to the health or physical development of the child, and will not render
him unfit to obtain proper benefit from his education. 450 children were examined
for employment certificates and three for entertainment certificates. Power also exists
under Section 59 of the Education Act, 1944, to prohibit or restrict the employment
of a child if it appears that such employment is prejudicial to his health or is
rendering him unfit to obtain the full benefit from his education.
CHILDREN'S HOMES
There are six homes accommodating school children under the control of the
Children's Officer. These are visited at regular intervals by a medical officer who
advises on diet, general health matters and hygiene of the homes, and medically
examines children on admission, annually, and also prior to discharge. Each child
is on the list of a general medical practitioner for medical treatment.
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