London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
West Ham 1959
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for West Ham]
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The following tables gives the number of children who, at the end of 1959 had
completed a course of immunisation since 1st January, 1944.
TABLE C
| Age at 31.12.59 i.e. born in Year | Under 1 1959 | 1-4 1958-1955 | 5-9 1954-1950 | 10 - 14 1949-1945 | Under 15 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last complete course of injections (whether primary or booster) | |||||
| A. 1955-1959 | 786 | 7,068 | 10,342 | 13,310 | 31,506 |
| B. 1954 or earlier | - | - | 1,000 | 275 | 1,275 |
| C. Estimated mid-year Child Population | 2,710 | 9,290 | 25, 300 | 37,300 | |
| Immunity Index 100A/C | 29% | 76.1 | 93.49 | 84.47% | |
Whooping Cough Vaccination. By using a combined vaccine it is possible to protect
a child against whooping cough as well as diphtheria, without increasing the number of
injections which it is necessary for the child to receive. Of the 1,459 children under
five years of age a primary course of immunisation only 101 were not protected against
whooping cough as well as diphtheria.
Poliomyelitis Vaccination. The scheme for vaccination against poliomyelitis has
been gradually extended. By the end of 1959 it included a full course of three injections
for all persons under 26 years of age, expectant mothers and certain other priority groups.
In April, the demand for vaccination amongst young people in the 15 - 26 year age group was
greatly increased following the death of a famous footballer. Appropriate arrangements
were made to cope with this demand, but temporary difficulties in the supply of vaccine
from the Ministry of Health created many administrative headaches. Eventually the supply
position eased and it was possible to vaccinate all the young people who had registered for
this form of protection.
The following tables gives a summary of the work undertaken during the year:-
Vaccinated with two injections
Children under 15 years 7,401
Young persons aged 15 to 26 years 11,917
Expectant mothers and other priority classes 559
Persons who received a third injection 21,965
Of the 19,877 persons vaccinated with two injections, 61.53 per cent received them
at local authority clinics and 38.47 per cent by family doctors. Of the 21,965 third
doses given, 68.70 per cent were at local authority clinics and 31-30 per cent by family
doctors. Vaccine issued to hospitals for vaccination of their staffs amounted to 452 c.c.
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