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14
scheme, namely, immunisation by the family doctor, there was no great fall in the
incidence of the disease, but during the last five years the numbers have fallen
considerably. Although the fall was originally associated with evacuation, the
introduction of immunising sessions at welfare centres to supplement the "family
doctor" scheme secured the immunisation of increasing numbers of children. The
return of the population has caused no rise in the incidence of diphtheria. On the
Registrar General's estimated mid-1946 child population (27,600) the percentage
of the child population in the Borough immunised is 69.5, but it is considered that
this figure is low; many children who have returned to the Borough undoubtedly
were immunised whilst evacuated, of which there is no record in the Department.
There was one death from Diphtheria giving a death rate of .007 per 1,000 of the
population.
Whooping Cough. Immunisation against whooping cough is provided by
means of a "family doctor" scheme, under which injections are given by the family
doctor whose fees are paid by the Council. During the year, 426 children received
injections, compared with 387 in 1945. Not all of these children received the full
course of four injections.