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53
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNIZATION CLINIC.
The Diphtheria Immunization Clinic, which began in December,
1934, has been very well received, and the number of applications
became so great that it was necessary to have a clinic two days in
the week. As will be seen from the figures, 1,100 children were
Schick tested during the year, but only 15.5 per cent, of these were
found to be immune. It is estimated that unless at least 60 per
cent of the children in a district are immune there is no real safety
from severe Diphtheria. If the figures the second year of the clinic
are maintained as is expected, then this position will be reached in
Richmond by the end of 1936.
Meanwhile, it is satisfactory to report that 711 certificates of
immunity were issued during the year. The number of children
who required a second course of injections to complete the
immunity was very small indeed, and it is also noted that the
number of reactions of any severity was practically negligible.
The attendance at the clinic has been particularly good,
although 42 forms were filled up for children who failed to attend.
In addition, 16 children failed to complete the course for various
reasons, and a number of these left the district. Similarly, 63
failed to attend for the posterior Schick test Certificates were
therefore not issued to these children, but on the basis of the other
figures at least 60 of them are probably immune.
There have been no cases of Diphtheria during the year in the
children to whom certificates have been given. One child was
found to have Diphtheria during the course, but only a mild attack,
and was immune when tested six months later. Another child
developed Diphtheria after the course of injections was completed
but before time for retesting. The attack was mild and it is certain
that immunity had not been gained by the date of infection. This
was confirmed by testing another member of the family, who
had also had the injections, and who was found to be still slightly
susceptible, but was sufficiently protected not to get the disease.