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 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Harrow]
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116
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 independent schools.
The following is a summary of the work carried out under this scheme during the year 1971
(A)
| Type of School | No. of Pupils Eligible | No. of Acceptances | Negative Reactors | Positive Reactors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary Modern | 1,434 | 1,038 | 943 | 37 |
| Secondary Grammar | 824 | 670 | 585 | 9 |
| Independent | 443 | 377 | 335 | 17 |
| Special | 18 | 14 | 12 | 1 |
| TOTAL | 2,719 | 2,099 | 1,875 | 64 |
| (1970) | (2,676) | (2,111) | (1,913) | (65) |
For comparison, the final figures for 1970 are shown in brackets.
(B) 1970 1971
No. eligible 2,676 2,719
No. accepting 2,111 2,099
Acceptance rate 78.8% 77.2%
Positive reactors 65 64
Percentage positive 3.3% 3.3%
Negative reactors 1 ,913 1,875
No. given B.C.G. vaccination 1,876 1,870
All positive reactors are referred to the chest clinic for x-ray and
investigation. These investigations include x-ray examination of all
domiciliary contacts.
PERSONAL HYGIENE
Inspections totalling 34,851 were made by school nurses or health
assistants to determine the cleanliness and general state of health of
pupils. The number of children found to be infested with nits or head
lice was 212. Cleansing notices under Section 54 (2) Education Act 1944,
were issued in respect of 130 pupils. No cleansing orders under Section
54(3) were required during the year.