View report page

7
Prevention of Tetanus.
Active immunization against tetanus is now available to those who
desire it. It is particularly popular with parents who have lived in
America, or Canada.
Prevention of Tuberculosis.
Active immunization against tuberculosis with B.C.G. is offered to
all children aged 13 years. The object is to give them added protection
against this disease during the adolescent years when they are especially
susceptible. Subsequently they develop the natural immunity which
results from the normal activities of adult life.
Of the children inoculated during the year there were no complications
of any importance.
Prevention of Poliomyelitis.
A vaccine prepared by the Glaxo Laboratories became available in
limited quantities for use for the first time in this country.
Parents with children in certain age groups were invited to register
them for inoculation. A small quantity of vaccine was provided in
May and June and this was administered to registered children without
any resulting reactions or harmful effects.
The scheme was then suspended until December when a few more
doses were supplied and were administered to those children who had
received only one out of the two doses required for protection.
The public demand for this vaccine has been growing steadily
throughout the year and it is hoped that supplies will be more adequate
next year.
Figures relating to these various immunization schemes are set out
in Section F.
CARE OF THE AGED AND THE CHRONIC SICK.
The local scheme for the care of the aged and the chronic sick which
was outlined in the Annual Report for 1955 has worked smoothly.
There is improved co-operation between the Hospital Services, the
Welfare Services, the General Practitioner Services and the Medical
Officer of Health.