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Our immunisation programme is, broadly speaking, the same
as that set out in recent reports. Various minor modifications have
been introduced particularly to ensure the use of the most efficient
antigen and to lay down special precautions relating to infants and
children who are likely to be allergic. I intend to embody our
immunisation time-table in a memorandum which will set out in
detail the programme upon which we have decided, together with
those precautions considered necessary. When the time-table is
ready, I will furnish each general practitioner with a copy, so that
we will, so far as is possible, be working along the same lines.
It was not necessary during 1954 to suspend the use of the
combined type of antigen for immunisation against diphtheria and
pertussis. As will be remembered, this was done during 1953
because of the occurence of cases of poliomyelitis in the neighbourhood.
The immunisation figures relating to Southgate for 1954 might
be summarised as follows:
These figures show that 790 primary immunisations, either
against diphtheria alone or against diphtheria and pertussis
(whooping cough) were carried out in Southgate during 1954.
During the same year, 1,727 children received reinforcing doses
in the schools, while 67.8% 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.
I think it can fairly be said that our scheme of immunisation,
either against diphtheria alone or against diphtheria and
pertussis, is comprehensive, and that, so long as the present level
of immunisation is maintained, diphtheria will continue to be a
comparatively rare disease. For some time I have been anxious
to use the new triple antigen which protects children against
diphtheria, pertussis and tetenus. The Ministry of Health has
still not given its blessing to the use of the triple antigen
however, and we must therefore wait until approval is forthcoming.
It will not be necessary for me to say that the work of
immunisation in Southgate is carried out by the County Council.
I know, however, that the Borough Council is extremely interested
in this vital weapon, and that it would wish to be fully informed
on the precautions being taken in Southgate.
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