London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Havering 1969
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Havering]
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| Approximate Age | 1 mmunisation |
|---|---|
| During First Year of Life | Diphtheria/Whooping Cough/ Tetanus (3 injections) together with Poliomyelitis vaccine (3 doses by mouth) |
| During Second Year of Life | Measles vaccination. Smallpox vaccination |
| 5 Years | Diphtheria/Tetanus booster. Poliomyelitis booster |
| 13 Years | Smallpox re-vaccination BCG vaccination (Tuberculosis) |
| 15 — 19 Years | Poliomyelitis booster. Tetanus booster. Smallpox re-vaccination |
This improved immunisation schedule, was fully introduced
during 1969. Protection was available for children against
diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, smallpox,
measles and tuberculosis. Parents can take their children either
to the Health and Welfare clinic or the family doctor.
Immunisation rates at the end of the year were as tollows:-
| 1967 births: | 1968 births: | |
|---|---|---|
| Whooping cough | 86% | 75% |
| Diphtheria | 93% | 76% |
| Poliomyelitis | 94% | 77% |
| Smallpox | 39% |
The lowering rates for 1968 births, and the decline in the
smallpox rate from the previous figure of 50%, are probably
purely artificial as the newly introduced schedule commences
at six months of age instead of three months as previously.
Next year's figures will reveal the true position.
The high rates of protection for Whooping cough, diphtheria
and poliomyelitis make the possibility of a sustained outbreak
of any of these diseases most unlikely; a highly satisfactory
state of affairs which must be maintained.
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