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43
simple means of prophylactic inoculation. Is it not extraordinary
that one seldom finds an objector to inoculation for the
cure of disease? (unfortunately curative inoculation is only too
often sought in the later stages of disease) yet the same people,
who place no barrier in the way when their relatives are seriously
ill, obstruct, at every opportunity, the adoption, during health, of
similar methods which would prevent the occurrence of such illness.
Proved and certain methods for the prevention of Diphtheria
(Schick) and Scarlet Fever (Dick), dating back on the one hand
to the year 1910 and on the other to the year 1923, are available,
and, whilst one realises that a large section of the general public
exhibit some antipathy to inoculation and vaccination, it is unfair
to withhold the information from the more enlightened and amenable
members 'of the community. Propaganda and active prophylactic
work in this direction belong to those who are engaged
in the prevention of disease in infants and young children, and
here the Maternity and Child Welfare Centre possesses a wide field
of very useful work.
In this connection Dr. S. Monckton Copeman has said, " but
I would suggest that it is of even more importance to aim at
immunisation of all children of pre-school age*—at the period,
that is, of greatest danger, and in order to obviate appreciable
risk of contracting the disease when they come in close contact
with other children on joining school."
So much for the question of conferring artificial immunity
upon susceptible individuals. Increasing the general vitality
and resistance of the body is of even greater importance and
should eventually eliminate the necessity for artificial immunisation.
Apart from education in healthy habits, the importance
of fresh air and sunshine and the observance of the simpler laws
of hygiene, two factors remain paramount in considering the reduc-
*The ages at which death occurred in the 30 fatal cases during the year
1927 were
At 1 year of age 1
,, 2 years of age 2
„ 3 „ 0
„ 4 „ 3
,, 5 „ 7
„ 6 „ 5
,, 7 „ 5
At 8 years of age 2
„ 9 „ 1
„ 10 „ 1
„ 11 „ 0
„ 12 „ 1
„ 13 „ 1
„ 14 „ 1