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134
In regard to Small-pox there were thirteen actual cases and
thirty-one contact cases in children attending schools in the
Borough. Fourteen schools were involved and, in addition to the
usual precautions, it was thought desirable to circularise the
parents of all the children attending these Schools and to advise
them that, whilst everything possible had been done by the Local
Authority to prevent the spread of infection, the only real safeguard
was vaccination and re-vaccination. The result of this
action is encouraging and a large number of children have been
vaccinated.
The statistics relating to protective immunization against
Diphtheria are included in my report as Medical Officer of Health.
Unfortunately the Immunization Clinic can only be held on one
half session per week, owing to lack of accommodation, otherwise
there is no doubt that, with the introduction of a scheme of
propaganda, the number of applicants for this form of treatment
would be greatly increased. Nevertheless, during the year 1930,
439 infants and children have received three inoculations, making
a total of 572 since the Clinic was commenced in September, 1929.
These figures are encouraging and so far the response has
exceeded our expectations. Should the present number of
applications be maintained, and providing that suitable accommodation
becomes available, a very considerable reduction in the
incidence of Diphtheria may be anticipated with confidence.