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37
Personal Health Services
There is a drawback to the early detection of handicap, and this is that it necessitates action.
Action in this context means the provision of supportive facilities, often very specialised. The workings
of democracy are accepted as slow, and planning for special training for physically and mentally
handicapped children is such that in spite of early warning the services are overloaded even before
they are brought into being. This is very frustrating to parents, but it is even more frustrating to the
workers who are trying to do their best to detect children who need extra help to use their potential
to the full and make their maximum possible contribution to the community.
VACCINATION AND IMMUNISATION
Diphtheria Immunisation
There have been no cases of diphtheria in the Borough since 1949. This disease can only be kept
in check by immunisation, and I cannot over-emphasise the necessity for maintaining a high level of
immunisation among children.
It must be remembered that the diphtheria germ is capable of being carried in the throats and
noses of immune persons. In these days of world wide travel the carrying and possible spread of the
germ is more than a probability. Consequently the only way to avoid isolated cases or small epidemics
is by maintaining a high level of immunisation. It must always be remembered that diphtheria has
a very high mortality and is not a disease to be taken lightly.

Smallpox Vaccination
The optimum age at which children ought to be vaccinated is during the second year. This is
the age when complications are least following primary vaccination, and thereafter re-vaccination
can be undertaken when required with very little trouble. Vaccination can be carried out without
charge by doctors who have signified their willingness to carry out this work under the National
Health Service Act, 1946. In a few instances where difficulties arise vaccination can be performed
at the Council's clinics.