London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Harrow 1966
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Harrow]
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144
Immunisation
Every effort is made to see that children receive full protection against
Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis in the pre-school
period. Primary immunisation should be completed during the first twelve
months and booster doses given at 18 months and at 4½ years, i.e. before
starting school, when special emphasis is placed on ensuring that children
are fully protected against poliomyelitis and diphtheria. The immunisation
state of all children is checked at the first periodic medical inspection and
protective immunisation offered to all who require it.
B.C.G. Vaccination
The B.C.G. vaccination of school children aged 13 against tuberculosis
continued during the year. This vaccination scheme is operated under
Section 28 of the National Health Service Act and is, therefore, offered to
children attending both maintained and private schools.
The following is a summary of the work carried out under this scheme during the year 1966:—
(A)
| Type of School | No. of Pupils Eligible | No. of Acceptance | Negative Reactors | Positive Reactors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary Modern | 1,177 | 818 | 743 | 50 |
| Secondary Grammar | 762 | 602 | 553 | 40 |
| Independent | 512 | 437 | 382 | 30 |
| Special | 4 | 1 | 1 | — |
| Junior Training School | 13 | 5 | 5 | — |
| Total (1965) | 2,468 (2,550) | 1,863 (1,842) | 1,684 (1,658) | 120 (157) |
For comparison, the final figures for 1965 are shown in brackets. (B)
| 1966 | 1965 | |
|---|---|---|
| No. eligible | 2,468 | 2,550 |
| No. accepting | 1,863 | 1,842 |
| Acceptance rate | 74.6% | 72.2% |
| Positive reactors | 120 | 157 |
| Percentage positive | 6.4% | 8.7% |
| Negative reactors | 1,684 | 1,658 |
| No. given B.C.G. vaccination | 1,681 | 1,655 |
All positive reactors are referred to the Chest Clinic for x-ray and
investigation. These investigations include x-ray examination of all domiciliary
contacts.