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Diphtheria Immunisation
The number of children of school age who were immunised by the
School Medical Officer was only 37. Of these, 3 were given a complete
course of injections and 34 a reinforcing dose. It is known that many
more children were immunised by their own doctor, but it is not
possible to give an accurate number of immunisations carried out
as in many cases the general practitioners having done the work do
not trouble to claim the fee due to them. The Health Visitors
estimate that 75—80 per cent of children approaching the age of 5
are protected.
Short Term Convalescent Treatment.
There is provision under the Education Act, 1944 for school children
to have a recuperative holiday, and during 1954, 27 pupils who
attend schools in this Borough were sent for periods varying from
three to six weeks. Each child was examined on return and reported
to have benefited from the change.
Dental Inspection and Treatment.
A summary of the work carried out by the Dental Officer at the
Woodford School Clinic is shown at Appendix "A."
Anti-Tuberculosis Vaccine Clinical Trials.
In my reports for the past three years, I have referred to the
trials which are being conducted by the Medical Research Council to
determine by investigation the degree of protection afforded by
B.C.G. vaccines and their value if used on a wide scale for the population
at large. The scheme commenced in this Borough in 1950, by
seeking volunteers from children who were then in their last year
at school. Contact is still kept with each volunteer, who is asked to
attend for a skin test and X-ray examination each year. In addition
a Health Visitor/School Nurse visits the home of each person participating
in the trials to record details of any change in his or her
employment, and illnesses since the date of the last examination.
Many of the male volunteers have now reached the age of 18 years
and are entering the Forces for their period of National Service. The
three Services have agreed to assist the Medical Research Council
in these trials and are making arrangements for those concerned to
be followed up during their period in the Forces.
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