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Further supplies of vaccine became available in the early autumn and immunisation
was then offered to all susceptible children over the age of one year and up to
and including the age of fifteen years.
By the end of the year, 4,834 children had been immunised and of these 4,074
were in the age group one to seven years.
During the last quarter of 1968, 62 cases of measles were notified, compared
with 82 during the last quarter of 1967 and 699 during the last quarter of 1966.
The epidemic of measles which would otherwise have been anticipated for the
winter of 1968/69 had thus not materialised by the end of December, 1968.
Measles immunisation is now offered as part of the routine immunisation
schedule, in the second year of life.
Distribution of Vaccines
The Health Department is responsible for providing the distribution of vaccines
to general medical practitioners. For this purpose collection centres are located
at the Health Office; the Town Hall, Palmers Green; and the Central Clinic,
Edmonton. If requested, smallpox vaccine lymph is sent by post.
Vaccination of Staff
It is important to ensure that persons most liable to come into contact with an
undiagnosed case of smallpox and those required to deal with an outbreak should
maintain a high level of immunity. Included in this category are certain members
of the Health Department and their immediate families. The practice of offering
and encouraging vaccination annually was continued, and during the year 104
members of the staff were vaccinated.
Certain categories of the Council's staff, e.g. labourers, gardeners, motor
mechanics and sewage and refuse disposal workers, because of the nature of their
work are particularly exposed to the risk of developing tetanus following injury—
even quite minor lacerations. The Council continued to offer vaccination against
tetanus to these groups and by the end of the year 93 staff had completed a course
of immunisation.
In view of the possibility of an epidemic of influenza due to Hong Kong Virus
A2 it was decided to offer vaccination to certain staff in the priority group, e.g.
doctors, midwives, health visitors, nursery nurses, home nurses and home helps.
By the end of the year 81 staff had been vaccinated. A further 171 were vaccinated
early in 1969.
International Certificates of Vaccination
Three forms of International Certificates of Vaccination have been prescribed,
namely, for smallpox, cholera and yellow fever.
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