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For some time past I have been anxious to use the new
triple antigen which protects children against diphtheria,
pertussis and tetanus. The Ministry of Health has still
not given its blessing to the use of the triple antigen,
however, and we must therefore wait until approval is
forthcoming.
It will not be necessary for me to say that the
work of immunisation in Friern Barnet is carried out by the
County Council. I know, however, that the Urban District
Council is extremely interested in this vital weapon, and
that it would wish to be fully informed on the precautions
now being taken in Friern Barnet.
As regards propaganda, we have not been entirely
satisfied with the literature available in respect of immunisation,
particularly immunisation against diphtheria. This
especially applies to the time table advocated in the various
pamphlets and leaflets at present at our.disposal. Indeed,
it was becoming more and more obvious that the suggested
time table very often conflicted with the advice issued from
the Area Health Office and given at our clinics.
I raised this matter at the Middlesex Medical
Advisory Committee, and was invited to produce an up-to-date
pamphlet which would be generally acceptable throughout the
county. l duly prepared a statement, after which I had
several consultations with the Principal of the Ealing School
of Art, where most attractive illustrations have been drawn
up. The general lay-out and wording is now awaiting
consideration and will, it is hoped, provide us with a
pamphlet which should be acceptable and of practical use to
parents.
Scarlet Fever.
Scarlet fever notifications during 195k showed a
slight increase over the figures for the previous year.
The notifications for the past three years were 2+0, 31 and
26 respectively.
The type of disease met with was again mild.
Indeed, it is extremely doubtful whether more than a percentage
of all the cases which occurred were ever seen by a
doctor,
I would, however, say that scarlet fever may be
going through a temporary phase of reduced virulence. We
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