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undertaking. The present vaccine is prepared as a suspension of embryonic duck tissue and although
this has been found to be less likely to produce adverse reactions than the vaccine previously in use
the possibility of such reactions could not be excluded if a satisfactory vaccination state was to be
retained for so many people during the remainder of their working lives. After personal examination
of the methods of handling employed at the Airport by the Director of Health Services it was concluded
that the risk to which any individual would be exposed would be minimal, particularly as he
was provided with protective clothing and the regulations of the International Air Transport Association
in connection with the handling of animals were already very strict.
Rabies prophylaxis continued to be offered to the staff of the two kennels already mentioned
and blood tests were carried out at regular intervals following booster doses in order to assess the
rabies anti-body levels attained.
Influenza Vaccination 1971-72
During the winter period of 1971-72 members of the Council's staff approached the department
with a view to receiving vaccination against influenza. Vaccine (A2/Hong Kong) was offered
to certain selected groups of staff including those involved in duties in residential establishments
whose continued services would be greatly relied upon in the event of an outbreak of influenza.
A total of 154 such persons were vaccinated against influenza. Although the epidemic of influenza
expected during the winter of 1971—72 did not materialise, a total of 7 of the members of staff who
were vaccinated did develop the disease compared with 33 out of the 416 other members of staff
engaged in similar type duties who were not vaccinated. This gave an attack rate of 8 per 1,000
amongst those who remained unvaccinated against an attack rate of 4.5 per 1,000 amongst those
vaccinated.
Immunisation statistics are recorded on page 121.
THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER PROCESSING
OF VACCINATION RECORDS
E. W. Jones, M.B., B.S., M.F.C.M., D.I.H., D.P.H., D.T.M. & H.
The computerisation of inoculation records has become a widely accepted part of community
health services in the United Kingdom. By providing a detailed record of all the children in a particular
area, the computer service is in a position to ensure a regular and reliable appointment system
for the recommended immunisations.
In 1970, the first proposals were made in Hillingdon towards the introduction of a computer
system, that would assist the Health Department in carrying out a wide range of medical activities.
It was felt in the initial planning stages, that an observation and handicapped child register, hearing
and vision test results, and dental inspection notification, should be included as additional
information to the basic immunisation computer file.
Preliminary Investigation
A working party comprising members of the Health Department, the London Boroughs
Management Services Unit, and Dr. Knight of the Local Medical Committee, met in April 1971 to
formulate a procedure policy. It was recognised that its main purpose was to outline a method of
assessing the value to the department, and degree of support among general practitioners, for the
computer service. As a result of this meeting, it was decided to adopt three separate lines of investigation.
Firstly a feasibility study was undertaken by Mr. Mills of the computer division LBMSU, and
a cost benefit analysis made on the transfer of immunisation procedures to the Leo III computer.
Secondly an examination of the Hillingdon inoculation rates was carried out by Dr. E. Jones
and Mr. Benson. These percentage rates are quoted annually in the Department of Health and Social
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