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diphtheria among their neighbours' children and are more afraid
of illnesses they know than of the dangers of diphtheria. It cannot
be said too often "Diphtheria still kills". Elimination of
this disease is conditional upon the maintenance of an adequate
level of immunisation.
In 1901, 10,000 persons died from diphtheria in England and
Wales: In 1953 this number had been reduced to 23. Since 1944
(when records of corrected notifications were first kept) notifications
have fallen from over 23,000 in that year to a new low figure
of 182 for 1954.

From being one of the most serious causes of death of
children in this country, diphtheria has now fallen to a position
of numerical insignificance. It must not be allowed to revert.
VACCINATIONS.
Vaccination against smallpox is not now compulsory, the
Vaccination Acts 1867 to 1907 having been repealed by the
National Health Service Act, 1946.
As with diphtheria immunisation, all medical practitioners
providing general medical services in the area are given an
opportunity to provide services for carrying out vaccinations.
During the year the following were performed:—
Vaccinations 386
Revaccinations 36
Total 422