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normal. The percentage of new sickness benefit claims of the insured
population during the week ending 15th October was 500% above the
average weekly figure, but as from the week ending 22nd October there
was a steady decline in new sickness benefit claims and the epidemic
had subsided by early November.
The Ministry of Health made available a supply of vaccine for
protection against Asian influenza to Doctors and others who, by virtue
of their employment, came in contact with the sick.
CERTIFICATES OF VACCINATION AND INOCULATION.
In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, certain
countries require that visitors should be vaccinated or inoculated against
specified diseases.
International certificates have been prescribed for smallpox, yellow
fever and cholera. When completed by the medical practitioner, the
certificate must be authenticated by the Medical Officer of Health.
During the year, 568 requests were received from residents for
certificates of vaccination or inoculation to be authenticated for the
purpose of travel abroad.
SMALLPOX VACCINATION.
Vaccination is voluntary and every effort is made to maintain the
high level of protection from smallpox which the population had at
the time of compulsory vaccination. The view of the Ministry of
Health is that for adequate protection 75% of infants should be
vaccinated.
During the year the following vaccinations were carried out in the
district:—
Primary vaccinations 577
Re-vaccinations 86
WHOOPING COUGH IMMUNISATION.
The following figures show the number of children immunised and
those who received reinforcing doses during the year (this includes those
children who received the combined diphtheria and whooping cough
prophylaxis).
Number of children immunised 528
Number of children boosted 93
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION.
The following table gives details of the number of children who
were immunised during 1957:—
Number who completed course of immunisation 566
Number of "Booster" doses given 1,494
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