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99
During the year 146 were tested, of whom only one reacted positively.
The positive reactor who attended the chest clinic was found to be free
from disease.
B.C.G. Inoculation. The County Council authorised arrangements
being made to enable school children between their thirteenth and
fourteenth birthdays to be offered protection against tuberculosis by means
of B.C.G. inoculation. As those who have already been exposed to
infection do not need the injection, the procedure is first to carry out a
tuberculin test. The negative reactors are given the injection. The
positive reactors are referred to the chest clinic for examination. A
beginning was made in February in the secondary modern schools. Then
came the turn of those at the grammar schools, and last the pupils at the
independent schools. By dealing with two schools in one week for a
few weeks, it was possible to complete the testing of pupils of these ages
at all the schools before the end of the year.
Of the 1,734 in the secondary modern schools eligible for testing,
1,226 accepted. Of those who were tested and read, 1,023 reacted negatively
and 124 positively. The corresponding figures for the pupils at the
grammar schools were 872, 648, 504. and 63; and of those in the independent
schools 931, 639, 484 and 99. The total figures were: numbers
eligible. 3,537; number of acceptances, 2,513; number who reacted
negatively, 2,011 and positively, 286.