View report page

As regards propaganda, we have not been entirely satisfied
with the literature available in respect of immunisation, paricularly
immunisation against diphtheria. This especially applies to the
time-table advocated in the various pamphlets and leaflets at
present at our disposal. Indeed, it was becoming more and more
obvious that the suggested time-table very often conflicted with
the advice issued from the Area Health Office and given at our
clinics.
I raised this matter at the Middlesex Advisory Committee,
and was invited to produce an up-to-date pamphlet which would
be generally acceptable throughout the country. I duly prepared
a statement, after which I had several consultations with the
Principal of the Ealing School of Art, where most attractive
illustrations have been drawn up. The general lay-out and
wording is now awaiting consideration and will, it is hoped, provide
us with a pamphlet which should be acceptable and of
practical use to parents.
Scarlet Fever.
Scarlet fever notifications during 1954 again showed a marked
decline over the figures for the previous year. The notifications for
the past three years were 188, 133 and 51 respectively.
The type of disease met with has been universally mild. Indeed,
it is extremely doubtful whether more than a percentage
of all the cases which occurred were ever seen by a doctor.
I would, however, repeat the remarks which I made in last
year's Annual Report, that scarlet fever may be going through a
temporary phase of reduced virulence. We must therefore continue
to watch the trend, and be prepared for a return at any time of the
more severe type of infection previously encountered.
Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis.
Three cases of acute anterior poliomyelitis were notified during
1954, as against four during the previous year. 2 cases were
paralytic, the remaining 1 being non-paralytic.
Shortly before this Report was written, the news was received
that an efficient vaccine against poliomyelitis was at last available
in the United States. Since then, of course, further news has come
to hand of actual cases of poliomyelitis occurring very shortly after
vaccination; while it has been stated that parents have been
affected, presumably as a result of intimate contact. I think it would
be safe to say, however, that we can now look forward to the day,
40