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65
SECTiON 26 - VACCiNATiON AND iMMUNiSATiON
Small Pox Vaccination
the vaccinal state of the burgesses remains lamentably low and this in
spite of repeated exhortations in my annual reports, in the press, by leaflet,
posters and lectures.
Hardly a year passes without small local epidemics of virulent small pox
in various parts of the British Isles.
it must be remembered that this disease can be introduced into this
country by sea, through members of the crew or passengers, or in the cargo,
by air travellers - a very dangerous source - or occasionally by members of
the armed forcesc Rapid land communications in this country make it very
difficult to control the movements of infected individuals or their contacts,
which adds to the menace of sporadic introduction of small pox into an unvacclnated
community.
This borough stands at a most vulnerable point in the long unprotected
frontier against small pox invasion. Our large docks, although well protected
by an organized Port Health Authority, yet may well be the portal of entry
at any moment of virulent small pox. The implications might be serious
indeed for the unprotected community in East Ham. Even one death from this
disease would reflect discredit on the lackadaisical response to repeated
advice and exhortation. Ask your family doctor to vaccinate you and your
children now - before it is too late.