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This seems to be a very worthwhile project, the results of which it
is hoped may throw some light on the respiratory diseases and their
aetiological factors. This project will go on for some years in the subsequent
following up research.
Vaccination and Immunisation.
Arrangements for vaccination against smallpox and immunisation
against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and poliomyelitis were made
available as in previous years at all clinics and, of course, can be obtained
through the general practitioner if so desired. Every opportunity is taken
by the health staff to encourage parents to have their children protected
against these diseases. This personal advice goes on from day to day, but
in addition, in 1963 it was decided as a result of a recommendation from
the London and Home Counties Co-ordinating Committee for Health
Education to hold a crash programme of publicity twice yearly throughout
London and the Home Counties. With the aid of posters, pamphlets, press
and radio, an immunisation campaign was held during the two weeks
commencing 23rd and 30th September and will be repeated during two
weeks in April 1964.
Personally, I am very doubtful as to the value of these campaignsa
tremendous amount of preparatory work is involved for very little
return. However, I suppose even if only a few non-immunised children
are protected as a result of the campaign, we have achieved some good.
I think the continous person to person effort brings the best results in the
long run.
Smallpox Vaccination.
A report was published by the Standing Medical Advisory Committee
late in 1962. In this report the Committee reviewed the existing policy on
routine vaccination against smallpox in the light of recent criticism.
The suggestion had been made that routine infant vaccination should
cease and that reliance should be placed upon outbreak control measures
to prevent the spread of infection from an importation of smallpox.
Outbreak control measures comprise the ascertainment and isolation
of cases of smallpox, the identification, vaccination and surveillance ol
contacts, and the disinfection of contaminated premises or articles. These
measures have met with considerable success in this country, but it must
be remembered that the population of this country is partly protected by
vaccination and this has undoubtedly aided outbreak control as outlined
above. Outbreak control could hardly prove as effective in an unvaccinate
population as in a partly vaccinated population.
In view of this the Committee concluded that there was no evidence
to justify the suggestion that outbreak control alone should prove effective
in an unvaccinated population and have advised that routine vaccination
should continue in early childhood.