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Infectious Diseases.
The introduction, early in 1968 of vaccination against measles as a
matter of public policy was an important addition to the routine programme
of immunisation against the infectious diseases. The winter of 1969 would
normally have seen a widespread epidemic, conforming to the bi-annual
pattern of incidence of this disease. The number of cases notified (369)
however was very much the same as in the previous year, (342) contrasting
with 2134 cases in 1967, probably because of the impact of measles vaccination
in the susceptible child population. The initial enthusiasm for
vaccination by the general public waned somewhat during 1969, resulting in
fewer children being protected than is desirable. It is very important
indeed that the whole child population should be protected as quickly as
possible if the full potential of the vaccination programme is to be
achieved, and measles is to be eradicated. This is a disease which has
come to be accepted as one of the inevitable childhood ailments and is
treated lightly by most parents. In most cases the illness, though
unpleasant, is soon over. In a proportion however, complications occur
which may result in permanent disability. Both complicated and uncomplicated,
measles make heavy demands on scarce health service resources; from
personal health and national points of view therefore, vaccination against
the disease is important and parents are asked to see that their children
are protected.

Figures in respect of children born in 1968 are low due to the revised
schedule of immunisation under which many children had not completed their
immunisation.
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