View report page

23
C(3). Diphtheria Immunisation.
The Scheme for the immunisation of children against
Diphtheria was continued throughout the year, as was also
the immunisation of children against Diphtheria and Whooping
Cough with a combined vaccine. Immunisation facilities
are available at all sessions of the various clinics held in the
Town.

C(4). Smallpox.
On 8th April, 1947, notification of 6 Smallpox contacts
who had come into Erith was received from the Medical
Officer of Health, Bilston, Staffs. It was a family who had
been on holiday at Bilston, consisting of father, mother and
four children. All were vaccinated within six days of
exposure. All precautions were taken, including strict day
to day surveillance by the Sanitary Inspectors and Health
Visitors and avoidance of contact with other persons for 16
days. A shadow vaccination scheme was prepared for bulk
vaccination should any big demand for protection arise. I
am happy to say no case arose from this contact although
two of the children slept in the same room with the case in
the invasion stage at Bilston. Mass vaccination is not
considered as a satisfactory epidemiological procedure but
it had to be envisaged and prepared for.