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6
Prevention of Diphtheria.
During the year a report by the Medical Research Council provided
statistical evidence that prophylactic materials containing alum and
combined prophylactics had a greater effect in provoking paralytic
poliomyelitis than other antigens.
The number of cases of poliomyelitis actually thought to have
been provoked in this way was extremely small, compared with the
numbers of children immunized, but nevertheless the Ministry of
Health advised great caution in future policy.
This was most unfortunate, since the alum containing prophylactics
had given valuable immunity to diphtheria in the past, and the use
of combined antigens reduced the number of injections required for
protection against two or more diseases.
In addition with their use babies could be protected at an earlier
age, and in this district the target of immunizing 75% of babies under
one year had been attained.
Under the circumstances it was decided to discontinue altogether
the use of alum containing prophylactics and to use combined antigens
only in the 4th and 1st quarters of the year when poliomyelitis is
unlikely to be prevalent.
This had the effect of reducing the percentage of children under
5 years immunized but the level is still high and every effort will be
made to improve the situation in future years.
Prevention of Whooping Cough.
In practically every case a child brought for immunization against
diphtheria also receives protection against Whooping Cough. The
vaccine does not give complete protection to all who receive it, but
when Whooping Cough does occur in an inoculated child, it is a
mild illness. Early protection is of great importance since the disease
is more fatal to infants than to older children.
Prevention of Smallpox.
The percentage of babies vaccinated in 1957 was 66.9% which is
the highest figure yet reached, and is higher than in most parts of the
country.
Prevention of Tetanus.
Active immunization against tetanus is available for those who
desire it. Just over 100 children were protected during the year.