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Diphtheria
The year 1961 was again free from diphtheria in this district, the last
case having occurred in 1948. Not every district has been so fortunate
and outbreaks though small compared with pre war times do occur
from time to time in various parts of the country.
Diphtheria Immunisation
The freedom from diphtheria which the district has enjoyed for so
long is attributable to the degree of success achieved in maintaining a
reasonably satisfactory level of immunisation. It is not enough to immunise
in infancy. Reinforcing inoculations thoughout childhood are necessary
and we are fortunate in being able to offer these reinforcing injections
in the Primary Schools of the district, thus obviating a special journey
to a clinic or surgery for the purpose.
The practice is to secure primary immunisation before the age of 1
year usually in combination with anti whooping cough and tetanus
immunisation and this can be secured when the mother is already attending
the Infant Welfare Clinic. Boosting doses are given at school soon after
entry and again at approximately three year intervals until the child
leaves the junior school at about the age of 11 years. The immunisation
rate in pre school children is nearly 70% and this is further increased in
the school age group to approximately 80%.
These arrangements are the responsibility of the County Council
under the National Health Service Act, but they are directed by the
District Medical Officer of Health.

A further 1065 Carshalton children received reinforcing injections
during the year.
The following table shows the immunisation state of the local child
population at the 31st December, 1961:—
44