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Immunisation at schools (included above):-
Number completely immunised 111
" partly " 20
Number having extra dose, immunised in previous years 38
The following sets out the reduction in Diphtheria incidence
and mortality before and since the commencement of Diphtheria
Immunisation -
Before Immunisation Since Immunisation
i .e.1922/1932. 1932/1942. 1944.
No. of cases of
Diphtheria in 10 years. 2,588 966 13
No. of deaths from
Diphtheria in 10 years. 85 35 Nil.
It has been estimated that in Great Britain, of 100 children born
and not protected against Diphtheria, 10 will contract the disease
and one will die of it; of every 100 children protected against
Diphtheria only one will contract a mild form of Diphtheria and
none will die of the disease.
Owing to movement of population (especially evacuation) no
percentage figures can oe given for the end of 1944, but at
30th.June 1945 50% of the under fives and 80$ of the 5/15 year
age group or 70% of all children in the Borough, aged 0-15 years,
had been protected against Diphtheria.
BIRTHDAY LETTERS.- In consequence of the number of removals,
it was decided to send a letter to the parents on the birth of
their child stressing the need of immunisation after it reaches the
age of nin6 months.
IMMUNISATION BY GENERAL PRACTITIONERS.- Diphtheria prophylactic
is available to general practitioners. During 1944, 135 c.cs. of
alum precipitated toxoid were issued; this quantity is sufficient
to protect 135 children.
MUNICIPAL LABORATORY.
The following numbers of diphtheria swabs were examined
during 1944:-
Swabs.
Negative.
Positive.
Totals.
Private Practitioners
247
15
262
Health Department
37
4
41
School Medical Department
78
-
78
Totals
362
19
381
The total number of diphtheria specimens examined in 1943 was 599.
In addition, 6 specimens of urine were examined.
ESSEX COUr.TY COUNCIL SCHEME.
The Assex County Council also provides facilities for examination
of pathological specimens, and the County Medical Officer states
that 956 specimens were examined for local practitioners during 1944,
as follows:-
Diphtheria Swabs, 381; Dysentery Specimens, 562; Ringworm
Specimens, 3; Miscellaneous, 10.
xThese were re-examinations of swobs sent on from .althamstow.
VACCINATION.
Mr.E.Sharp, Vaccination Officer for the Area, has furnished
the following return for 1944:-
Births
Registered
Successfully
Vaocinated
Percentage
Vaccinated
Insusceptible
Exemptions
Death before
Vaccinated
Postponed
1,614
336
21.0
3
601
41
37
In addition to the above, 97 primary vaccinations were
recorded, and 63 re-vaccinations.
22.