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91
Inoculations.
Experience has shown that, whereas the great majority of
children under ten years of age are susceptible to diphtheria, the
majority of urban school children have acquired a natural immunity
towards the end of their school life. Therefore, in order to save
time and inconvenience, the preliminary Schick Test of susceptibility
has been omitted in children under ten years of age unless the parents
have expressed a definite wish to have the preliminary test carried
out.
The preparation which has been in routine use throughout the
year at the Council's special clinics has been T.A.F., of which two
intramuscular injections are given, with an interval of four weeks
between the two inoculations.
As a period of a few months must elapse from the time of
inoculation until the child is sufficiently protected to resist an
attack of diphtheria, the Final Schick Test is performed three
months after the date of the last inoculation.
Attendances.
The great drawback to more widespread advantage being taken
of immunisation against diphtheria is the number of attendances
to be made.
In children submitted to the initial Schick Test and found to
be susceptible, the full course of immunisation entails five attendances
spread over a period of about 31/2 months.
By dispensing with the initial Schick Test the number of
attendances is reduced to four, and the period is reduced by one
week.
Immunisation by Private Medical Practioners.
In order to encourage the protective inoculation by private
medical practitioners of Leyton children whose parents do not wish
to attend the municipal clinics, the Council decided that facilities
should exist for the supply of diphtheria toxoid-antitoxin, free of
charge, to local medical practitioners on condition that they supply
the Medical Officer of Health with the necessary particulars regarding