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(N.B. — Where combined antigens have been used the figures have
been included under each of the headings concerned).
Vaccination against Poliomyelitis. — The programme of vaccination
of the eligible groups, i.e. children and adults from the age of six
months to 40 years at the date of registration; expectant mothers; and
doctors, dentists, nurses, ambulance and certain other public health staff,
and their families, proceeded during 1962. The general practitioners have
continued to play an important part in the scheme and most of those practising
in the Area are participating; during 1962 they undertook a little
over 70% of this vaccination in Ilford.
Early in 1962 the Ministry of Health made available Sabin (oral)
vaccine for use against poliomyelitis. The Essex County Council approved
the use of this vaccine throughout the Administrative County and arrangements
were made, in the first instance, for the vaccine to be stored in its
frozen state by a local cold storage company prior to distribution to general
practitioners and clinics. The general use of the vaccine was commenced
on 1st April 1962 and special polystrene containers were provided for its
transport at an even temperature to clinics and for the use of doctors when
collecting vaccine from the Public Health Offices. The storage regulations
were, however, subsequently relaxed, it being considered sufficient for
the vaccine to be stored in a domestic refrigerator on delivery to the Health
Areas, and the special facilities which the cold storage company had so
kindly provided were no longer required.
Sabin (oral) vaccine, as well as being used for new vaccinations,
may be administered for the completion of primary courses and/or reinforcing