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The response over the years has continued at a high level and
the primary protection is continued with "boost" injections to
maintain continuing immunity. It follows that our present
population adults up to the age of 38 or 40 come within the range
of the protected group.
In Southgate during 1963, 94.9% of children reaching the age
of 2 years had been immunised. This compares with a percentage
of 83% in 1955. The system of follow-up used is the same as that
in smallpox vaccination.
Whooping Cough. Our main concern in this disease is to
protect the very young children in whom the condition can still
be fatal. Immunisation therefore commences at two to three
months. Protection is thus given over the first few years of life,
but since in older children the disease tends to be mild, the regular
immunisation of older groups is not considered necessary.
Poliomyelitis. Polio vaccine was introduced in 1956 and led to
a wide initial public response, which later fluctuated. Probably 80
per cent or more of young people up to the age of 24 years have
been vaccinated against poliomyelitis. Older people up to the age
of 50 years and over have also had the opportunity of this protection,
although the percentage in this group will be considerably
lower.
B.C.G. Vaccination against Tuberculosis. In 1957, B.C.G.
vaccination was first offered to all schoolchildren aged 13 years, i.e.,
prior to leaving school. This offer is made annually to all schools,
both maintained and private schools. Thus, young people between
the ages of 13 and 22 years have all had the opportunity of
receiving B.C.G. vaccination in school, and in Southgate between
75 and 80 per cent have taken advantage of it. The consent rate
for 1963 in Southgate was 81.35 per cent.
Typhoid. A comparatively small percentage of the population
are protected against Typhoid Fever. A growing number of our
schoolchildren, however, are so protected prior to foreign travel,
and it may be that the general public will profit by their example
and also seek this safeguard before travelling abroad.
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