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Vaccination Against Small Pox. The speed of travel has
increased the risk of Small Pox being imported. Our protection
depends on vaccination. There is no drug which will cure the
Illness. Vaccination in infancy provides a basal immunity which
can be reinforced later with reduced reaction. The safest period
for infant vaccination is three to six months of age. Vaccination
is voluntary and free of charge and can be arranged through the
family doctor or at the nearest Child Welfare Centre.
in 1957 five hundredand thirty three babies undertheage of
one year were vaccinated. The percentage of 56.9 compares with
53.7 in 1956 and 53.5 in 1955.

Puerperal Pyrexia Twenty three cases were notified in
1957, compared with eleven cases in 1956. Three were due to
influenza. The revised definition of Puerperal Pyrexia in the
Puerperal Pyrexia Regulations, 1951, made notiflable "any febrile
condition occurring in a woman, in whom a temperature of 100,4°
Fahrenheit (38° Centigrade) or more has occurred within fourteen
days after childbirth or miscarriage".
The early notification of Puerperal Pyrexia is of primary
importance in the prevention of maternal mortality. Medical
practitioners should make the fullest use of the consultant,
bacteriological and hospital services and ensure the isolation
of any case of suspected infection occurring in a maternity or
nursing home.
Tetanus. A scheme for the immunisation of children against
Tetanus on request by parents is in operation. it has been
estimated that there are about two hundred cases of Tetanus in
England and Wales each year. The mortality is between 30 and 40
per cent. The bacillus is present in horse manure and in manured
land. infection enters the body through contaminated wounds and
abrasions which may be so slight as to escape notice. The object
of immunisation is to prepare the tissues in advance to resist
the Tetanus Bacillus. All who work in agriculture or in stables
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