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Diphtheria
For the sixth year in succession no case of diphtheria was
notified in the Borough. The last death took place approximately
11 years ago.
In February of the present year, I made a brief report to the
Public Health Committee, setting out details of the immunisation
programme carried out in Southgate, and also referring to the fact
that, apart from our system of propaganda in Area No. 2, the Area
was taking part in a County scheme to popularise immunisation.
As I anticipated, the Public Health Committee offered its full
support in this campaign.
My report, which summarised the present position in regard to
immunisation, was as follows: —
" (c) Immunisation
The Ministry of Health has recently issued a statement setting
out the quite spectacular results which have followed the
introduction of large-scale immunisation against diphtheria in
England and Wales. This statement, issued to local authorities,
has been followed-up by a " hand-out" sent to local newspapers.
In this connection, I have asked the editors of local
newspapers in Southgate to publish a fuller statement featuring
the Southgate figures.
These figures show that 612 primary immunisations, either
against diphtheria alone or against diphtheria and pertussis
(whooping cough) were carried out in Southgate during 1953.
During the same year. 1.829 children received reinforcing doses
in the schools, while 55% of infants were fully immunised by
the time they reached the age of two years. These figures are
satisfactory, but give no grounds for complacency, although it
is pleasing to be able to report that the last case of diphtheria
occurred in Southgate in 1947, the last death being reported in
1943.
Our scheme of propaganda for immunisation in Southgate
is extensive and continuous. Indeed, in at least one respect—
propaganda by way of schools—it is possibly unique. In
addition to this continuous propaganda, we endeavour to add
periodic stimuli in the form of local campaigns. I understand
that the County Council will be suggesting one such campaign,
to be held later in the year, probably in April. Full details of
this campaign should shortly be available. I would suggest
that we co-operate to the fullest possible extent.
I recently addressed a letter to general practitioners, pointing
out the need for maintaining the level of immunisation,
and stressing the fact that primary immunisation might well
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