View report page

Whooping Cough is a serious infection in early infancy. The danger
of mortality is highest in the first three months of life and diminishes
with age. Every effort should be made to protect babies and weakly
infants from contact with infection The vaccines give substantial
protection Immunisation should commence not later than three months of
age.
Cases are excluded from school for twenty eight days from the
beginning of the characteristic cough. Child contacts under seven years
of age should be excluded for twenty one days from the date of onset of
a case in their home if they have not had the disease
Health Visitors are informed of notified cases of children under
five years of age so that they may give advice where necessary.
Immunisation against Whooping Cough. Immunisation against
Whooping Cough is available free of charge for children under five years
of age, either through the family doctor or at Child Welfare Clinics.
In 1961, one thousand and fifty seven children received immunising
injections. Three injections are given at monthly intervals. The injections
are given either separately or combined with immunisation against
Diphtheria, or preferably Diphtheria and Tetanus In addition, six hundred
and seven children were given reinforcing injections during the year.
Smallpox No case was notified.
Vaccination against Smallpox The speed of travel has increased the
risk of Smallpox being imported. Our protection depends on vaccination.
There is no drug which.will cure the illness, although one is under trial
Vaccination is safest in infancy and provides a basal immunity which
can be reinforced later with reduced reaction Vaccination is voluntary and as
regards infants and school children is free of charge and can be arranged
through the family doctor or at the nearest Child Welfare Centre. Immunity
should be reinforced by re-vaccination between the age of five and ten
years and again about school leaving age.
During the year, six hundred and sixty seven babies under the age
of one year were vaccinated. The percentage of 61.0 compares with 45 1
in 1960 and 65.5 in 1959