London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Wood Green 1964

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wood Green]

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INCIDENCE AND DEATHS FROM DIPHTHERIA
Although the death rate was comparatively small in relation to
the large number of cases, diphtheria is a crippling disease and leaves
a trail of damage to heart, etc., in its wake.
The dramatic fall which started in 1939 was the result of a
tremendous immunisation campaign which grew in momentum until
by 1945 practically every child up to school leaving age had been
immunised. It is a matter of great satisfaction that in this Borough
even to-day there is no falling off in the immunisation rate for
diphtheria.