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7
IMMUNIZATION.
Because of the prevalence of poliomyelitis the schemes for immunizing
children against diphtheria and whooping cough were
suspended for nearly three months. At the end of this time every
effort was made to catch up with arrears. The result was a very
small decline in the percentage of children under 5 years of age who
had been protected by the end of the year. The figure of 70.7%
for this age group compares favourably with most parts of the
country but it should be higher, and there seems to be some danger
that suspension of immunization in the presence of poliomyelitis may
do more harm than good.
Combined immunization against diphtheria and whooping cough
is popular with parents and as far as possible it is commenced at age
3 months ; immunization against diphtheria, whooping cough and
tetanus can be carried out in exactly the same way and there is some
evidence to show that the antigens when combined in this way are
even more effective than when given separately. There is already
a small demand for this "triple antigen" which will be made available
during 1956.
The policy of offering vaccination against smallpox after completing
immunization has proved a success. It allows for earlier
immunization and the percentage of infants vaccinated has slightly
increased. The figure of nearly 50% of infants vaccinated is not
good enough but again it is better than in most areas.
The scheme for offering vaccination against tuberculosis with
B.C.G. to all school children aged 13 years proceeded smoothly.
468 children were successfully inoculated and there were no complications
worthy of note. Such vaccination should confer some
protection in adolescents during the dangerous years when they are
first beginning to come into contact with the infection in the outside
world.
CARE OF THE CHRONIC SICK.
The care of the aged, infirm, and the chronic sick, continues as an
outstanding problem.
The appointment of a Geriatrician to the Kingston Hospital
Group has done much to improve the situation. There has been a
more rapid turn over of cases in the available beds and supervision
of domicilliary cases has been more complete.