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
Leyton 1943
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Leyton]
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44
Municipal Clinic.
Prior to 1941 the immunising agent in use was Toxoid
Antitoxin Flocules (T.A.F.). In 1941 this agent was replaced,
except in adult cases, by Alum Precipitated Toxoid (A.P.T.)
supplied by the Sector Laboratory on behalf of the Ministry of
Health. As it was found that 98 per cent. of children were immune
after two inoculations by A.P.T., in 1943 steps were taken to
dispense with the final Schick test of susceptibility. By so doing
it was possible to complete the protection of a much greater number
of children.
The routine course of immunisation is an initial dose of 0.2 c.c. A.P.T., followed by a second dose of 0.5 c.c. four weeks later.
RETURN FOR THE YEAR 1943.
| Age 1-5 years. | Age 5-15 years. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Number of children who completed the course of immunisation during the year | 1,758 | 2,625 | 4,383 |
| 2. (a) Approximate estimated child population at end of year | 5,200 | 9,750 | |
| (b) Percentage of child population considered to be immunised at end of year | 53.25 | 80.75 |
Incidence of Diphtheria Among Protected Persons.
It is not claimed that artificial immunisation will prevent a
person from infection by diphtheria organisms. What is claimed
is that successful artificial immunisation will prevent the immunised
person from developing the dangerous toxæmic manifestations of
diphtheria.
The following table gives in summary form the information regarding these cases.
| Age. | Sex. | Date of Immunisation. | Date of Notification. | Swab Results T=Throat. N=Nose. E=Ear. | Diagnosis. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | F | 10.5.41 | 9. 2.43 | T — | Vincent's Angina. |
| N — | |||||
| 4 | M | 1.8.41 | 17. 4.43 | T — | Not Diphtheria. |
| 8 | M | 31.8.37 | 28.10.43 | T + | Mild |