London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Richmond upon Thames 1969

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]

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Table 2. Vaccination against Smallpox.

Age at date of VaccinationUnder
112—45—15Total
No. vaccinated87776167751105
No. revaccinated-634400440

B.C.G. Vaccination against Tuberculosis. See page 35.
Immunisation against Diphtheria/Whooping Cough/Tetanus/Poliomyelitis
It is considered that the reason for the drop in the figures of the primary immunisation
of children aged under 2 years (909 as compared with 2,193 in 1968) was the
introduction of the new Schedule of Immunisation recommended by the Minister of
Health.
There are two main factors involved. Firstly, primary immunisation now commences
at six months of age instead of three months of age under the old schedule.
Secondly, the course now extends until the child is fourteen months of age instead of
five months as previously.
It is hoped that the 1970 figures will reflect a "levelling off" in primary immunisation.
Measles Vaccination
The number of children receiving vaccination against measles dropped considerably
during the year (1,430 compared with 3,459 in 1968). This was due to shortage of
vaccine. One manufacturer, after consultation with the Department of Health and
Social Security, withdrew supplies. This, together with a general shortage of supplies,
caused a virtual suspension of the measles vaccination scheme from March onwards.
Smallpox Vaccination
There was a substantial decrease in the numbers receiving primary smallpox vaccination
(1,105 compared with 1,604 in 1968). It is considered that the reason for this
drop is the implementation of the policy of consulting the family doctor on the question
of all routine smallpox vaccinations as recommended by the Minister of Health on the
advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation in 1968.
Protection against Enteric Fever
Children visiting abroad in school parties may obtain T.A.B. inoculation either
from their family doctor or the authority's clinics in the borough. I consider that all
undertaking overseas travel should be so protected.
PREVENTION OF ILLNESS, CARE AND AFTER CARE
Tuberculosis
During 1969 there were 35 notifications of pulmonary tuberculosis and 9 notifications
of non-pulmonary tuberculosis in the Borough, compared with 38 and 8
notifications respectively, in 1968.
33