London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Walthamstow 1948

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]

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19
Excluding 1932, i.e. the first year of immunisation, there
were during the eight years 1933-40, a total of 31 deaths from
Diphtheria, and during the eight years 1941-48 a total of 15 deaths
from Diphtheria.
During the last two years, i.e. 1947-48 there were no deaths,
but the year 1946 was a bad year, when there were 6 deaths from
Diphtheria in unprotected children in the reception areas.
During 1948, out of 34 patients admitted to hospital for suspected
Diphtheria, only one was confirmed as such. This very
favourable result was largely due to immunisation and to the fact
that over 60 per cent of the children under five years of age and
over 90 per cent of children between five and fifteen years of age have
so far been protected in Walthamstow. This virtual elimination
of Diphtheria can only continue if the percentage of young children
protected can be kept up, or better, increased, especially in regard
to the under-fives.

Vaccination.—The vaccinal condition of each child examined at routine inspections was noted, andasummary shows the following:—

Number examined.Number found to be vaccinated.Percentage vaccinated.
EntrantsBoys33312437.2
Girls2949833.3
2nd Age GroupBoys73116222.1
Girls77114618.9
3rd Age GroupBoys92818920.3
Girls66219930.0
Totals3,71991824.6

9. OPEN AIR EDUCATION.
From March onwards arrangements were made for the medical
examination of parties of 35 boys and 35 girls each four weeks,
before proceeding to the permanent school camp at Itchingfield,
Sussex, and three parties of 11 boys and 11 girls before proceeding
to the permanent School Camp at Kennylands, Reading.
School Journey.—In December, 1947, your Committee agreed
to the provision of £720 in the estimates for the following year
towards the expenses of some 60 children and necessary escorts from
secondary schools in Walthamstow, in proceeding to Sweden under
a holiday scheme arranged by the Swedish/British Society.
Later, a method of selection was decided on in regard to children
in the 14-15 years age group.