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
Merton 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Merton]
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Minor Outbreaks
A few small and brief outbreaks of sickness and/or diarrhoea
occurred during the year. Bacteriological investigations were carried
out but no organism was isolated. There were no outbreaks which
caused any real concern.
Prophylactic Measures
1. Poliomyelitis Vaccination.
Vaccination of school children against poliomyelitis continued
during the year. The actual number vaccinated or receiving reinforcing
doses during 1972 was as follows:—
Number of children vaccinated 53
Number of children given re-inforcing doses 2,700
2. Diphtheria/Tetanus Immunisation.
Number of children given immunisation 126
Number of children given re-inforcing doses 2,416
No case of Diphtheria or Tetanus occurred among school children,
or otherwise, in this area but the importance of immunisation for all
children is in no way diminished.
3. Tetanus Vaccination.
Tetanus vaccination of school leavers was added to the prophylaxis schedule during the year and the following numbers were vaccinated:—
| In School Clinics | By General Practitioners | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary courses | 39 | 16 | 55 |
| Booster injections | 601 | 73 | 674 |
4.
| Percentage of age group dealt with | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number in age group | 2,417 | |
| Number of consents | 2,091 | 86.51 |
| Number skin tested | 1,932 | 80.00 |
| Number Mantoux positive | 57 | 1.64 |
| Number B.C.G. vaccinated | 1,707 | 70.62 |
The low percentage of those children showing a Mantoux positive
reaction indicates the continuing low incidence of tuberculosis in the
community.
5. Rubella Vaccination.
To enable pupils to obtain vaccination without disruption of
school activities, late afternoon sessions were held in school clinics at
which 345 girls in the prescribed age group were vaccinated. In addition
47 girls were vaccinated by general practitioners. No vaccination
sessions were held in schools.
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