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136
3,252 negative reactors received B.C.G. vaccination. Of the 206
children who were found to have a positive reaction to the skin
test, 30 were referred to the appropriate Chest Clinic for further
investigation. No further action was necessary in the case of the
remaining 176 children who gave a positive reaction because of
previous B.C.G. vaccination.
Rubella
As has already been mentioned at the beginning of this
Report an intensive programme of Rubella vaccination was
undertaken this year because the Department of Health and
Social Security had recommended that vaccination against
Rubella (German Measles) should be offered to all girls between
their 11th and 14th birthdays, with initial priority being given to
the older girls in this group. This is to ensure that as many girls
as possible are offered protection against Rubella by vaccination,
before reaching child-bearing age. Although the disease itself is
mild, there are well-established associations between an attack of
Rubella during pregnancy and the occurrence of serious abnormalities
in the unborn child.
Certain difficulties were experienced in phasing this with the
B.C.G. programme due to the necessity of an interval of at least
four weeks between these vaccinations, but with the experience
gained this year and also the fact that the age group has been
lowered in the case of the Rubella vaccinations, such difficulties
have now been resolved.

*Balance of age group (part carried out Autumn term 1970).
It is gratifying to record that the average acceptance rate
for the vaccination was 73.3%