London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Walthamstow 1954
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Walthamstow]
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89
Publicity Campaign.
Following the receipt of Ministry of Health Circular 5/54 on
the subject of diphtheria immunisation publicity campaigns,
arrangements were made for the showing of slides at local cinemas,
giving details of the immunisation facilities available in Walthamstow.
In addition, advertisements giving similar informaton were
inserted in the two local newspapers.
Letters were sent to the parents of all newly born children
advising them of the need to avail themselves of the facilities for
diphtheria immunisation and the Medical and Health Visiting Staffs
have maintained a system of personal persuasion.
IMMUNISATION AGAINST WHOOPING COUGH
The numbers and age groups of children immunised during the year are shown in the following table :—
| Age at date of Final Injection | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 mths. | 6—12 mths. | 1 year | 2—4 years | 5 and over | Total | |
| Clinics, Nurseries and Welfare Centres | 174 | 423 | 82 | 56 | 2 | 737 |
| General Practitioner | 35 | 168 | 60 | 24 | 15 | 302 |
| Total | 209 | 591 | 142 | 80 | 17 | 1,039 |
The total for 1953 was 754 and parents are somewhat unfortunately
becoming keener on whooping cough immunisation for the
under one's than on having them protected against smallpox and
diphtheria.
In addition 12 children received a booster dose.
Only three cases of whooping cough notified during the year
gave a history of previous immunisation. All three cases were
visited and an assessment made of the severity of the attack in
accordance with the criteria of the Medical Research Council. All
three cases were in category O which showed less than 5 paroxysms
in 24 hours. Details are given below :—
Date of Birth and Date
Immunised Remarks
28.9.49 Mar./May, 1950 Notified 21.5.54. Whooping
spasms only two or three per
24 hours. Medical Research
Council classification O.
9.2.52 Aug./Oct., 1952 Notified 8.4.54. No whooping
spasms. M.R.C. classification O.