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7
immunisation is again offered to their children at school. As a result
302 primary immunisations were done in children of school age and,
equally important, 1,245 booster doses were given to children who
had been previously immunised. These booster doses are essential in
order to maintain adequate immunity.
Vaccination against smallpox received an impetus following the
notification of a case of smallpox in an elderly female in July. Vac
cination against poliomyelitis which had been commenced in 1956
was extended eventually to cover the age group between six months
to the fifteenth birthday. Unfortunately supplies of vaccine were
inadequate and continued to be so.
It is a pleasure to record once more the Co-operation of those on
whom so much of the success of the Service depends and particularly
that of parents and teachers.
The section in regard to handicapped children refers fully to
the work of ascertainment and certification and the splendid work
done at your Committee's four special schools and so well reported
upon by the respective head teachers. All four schools were visited
in the course of the year by Medical Officers of the Ministry of
Education. The provision of a pure tone audiometer and a speech
recorder through the Principal School Medical Officer, Essex, was
of great value.
The Head Teachers of the two High Schools for Girls and of
one of the Technical Schools contribute reports in regard to their
schemes for pre-nursing training.
In view of the suggestion made by the chief Medical Officer
to the Ministry of Education a review has been compiled of the
progress of the School Health Service since its inception in 1907
and this report has been issued separately.
Again I wish to express appreciation of the help and consideration
shown to me by the Chairman, Members and Officers of the
Committee for Education and to record the excellent work of the
staff of the School Health Service.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
A. T. W. POWELL,
Borough School Medical Officer.