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The following table gives the estimated proportion of children in any age group
who have received a course of immunisation since 1st January, 1943.
TABLE C.

Poliomyelitis Vaccination. Arrangements for the registration and vaccination of
children against poliomyelitis continued. Supplies of vaccine, although still very limited,
improved. The age group for registration, formerly for children born in 1947-1954 was
extended early in the year to include those born in the years 1955 and 1956. In November
the Ministry of Health (Circular 16/57) again extended the scheme to include all children
between the ages of 6 months and 15 years, expectant mothers, general practitioners and
their families, ambulance staff and their families, and certain hospital staff and their
families. At the end of 1956, 5,234 children were awaiting vaccination. Registrations
during 1957 numbered 13,886 making a total of 19,120 for vaccination. Of this number 4,46l
received two injections during the year. At the end of the year there were 14,659 children
(of which 1,086 had received 1 injection) awaiting vaccination.
B.C.G. Vaccination.
There were no changes in the scheme introduced in 1956 whereby vaccination against
tuberculosis is offered to school leavers, that is children of 13 years and over.
Before vaccination is given a simple skin test is performed, as some children will
already have been exposed to the disease and have subsequently developed an immunity. In
these instances the skin test is positive and arrangements are made for these children to
have a chest x-ray to ensure that the previous exposure to tuberculosis has not resulted
in active disease.
The following table shows the results of visits to schools:-