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it and indeed many are only ambulant because of it. Further
the visiting chiropodist also serves as a "Sentinel", often
being the means of bringing to the notice of other members of the
Department aspects requiring their help.
IMMUNISATION AND VACCINATION
Statistics relating to the number of children immunised in
the first year of life show that over 80% received protection
against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis, whereas only
71% were immunised against whooping cough. The one death from
these four diseases in 1967 was that of a baby aged one month.
This baby was discharged from a maternity hospital at a time
when it appeared that another child, in the family, aged 3 years
who had not been immunised against the disease, was in fact
suffering from whooping cough but had not then been diagnosed.
Both children are subsequently admitted to Hospital but the
baby died eleven days later. This emphasises the need to be
on guard that the unprotected older child does not transfer infection
to a younger and more vulnerable sibling. At a time when the
mother is in hospital, as in this instance, there is a greater
possibility that the symptoms may not be noticed as early as
when the mother is at home. Immunisation of all infants with
re-inforcing doses at the appropriate intervals is the insurance
against such fatalities.
The vaccination and immunisation statistics are given in
the following tables with the 1966 figures for comparative
purpose:—
The total number of children under 16 years of age who
received a course of immunisation or vaccination during the
year, either at the Authority's clinics or by general practitioners
is given in Table 20.