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Approximately 58% of infants in Area No. 2 were fully immunised
before reaching their second birthday.
The results which can be attributed to immunisation will be
too well-known to require re-emphasis. The state of immunisation,
both in infants and in school children, is high. This must not
encourage complacency, as continued efforts will be required to
maintain our present standards. 1 think it can be said that these
efforts are being made, and that they might be regarded as
adequate.
Reference has already been made to the yearly campaign for
immunisation against diphtheria, in which Area No. 2 plays its
part. This campaign includes the showing of slides in local cinemas,
advertisements and articles in local newspapers, special talks at
clinics, and the display of posters.
Members of our staff are constantly bringing the need for
immunisation to the notice of parents, especially stressing the fact
that immunisation should be complete some time before the end
of the first year. We also make a point of acquainting general
practitioners with our policy from time to time, so that the work
of immunisation can be properly integrated. Thus, we notify
general practitioners of changes in procedure as, for instance, when
we discontinued immunisation against diphtheria and pertussis for
a short time during the summer months because of the local
prevalence of poliomyelitis.
The Committee will be aware that health education in
Middlesex is shared between the areas and the district councils
which make up these areas. We co-operate very closely with the
Borough and Urban District Councils concerned, so that maximum
benefit can be expected. The work of health education in Area
No. 2 includes:
The circulation of the magazine " Better Health ";
health talks and film shows at clinics and to local organisations;
the display of posters; the supply of leaflets and
pamphlets in the Area Health Office; libraries and at
Clinics; articles in the local press, and special efforts
designed as periodic stimuli, e.g., a yearly immunising
campaign.
Apart from these activities, it must always be remembered that
the basis of health education lies in the advice given to mothers
in the home and at Clinics by Medical Officers, Health Visitors,
Midwives, Home Nurses and' other members of the staff.
We have also tried to make it known that the Area Health
Office is to be regarded as an information bureau, to which any
special problem can be brought and where advice and assistance
will readily be forthcoming.
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