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46
the borough; the same cannot be said of smallpox, which
remains at 29%.
The wisdom of vaccination against smallpox in infancy
cannot be too strongly emphasised. It avoids the situation
in later life when primary vaccination, carrying a much higher
incidence of complications, may be necessary because of
contact, travel or Service life. Most important of all, it helps
to raise the level of vaccination in the community to a point
where epidemics are unlikely.
This level is not high enough for safety and parents are
urged to see their children are vaccinated at the recommended
age.
Protection Rates The table in Appendix 13 shows the number of com-
pleted courses of immunisation by year of birth. It is estimated
that 80% of those children born in 1966 who were eligible to
receive protection by reason of age were in fact protected
against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus and polio. The
number of boosters given against these diseases is shown also
in Appendix 14.
Computers During the year the use of computers in the vaccination
and immunisation programme was studied.
It was felt that the time was not yet opportune for this
procedure to be introduced, though it was recognised that
computers will eventually replace ordinary office records.
Agreement would have to be reached on programming and
availability of computers among the London Boroughs.
Vaccination against tuberculosis is described in that part
of the report which deals with the School Health Service.
SECTION 28
PREVENTION. CARE AND AFTER CARE
including Health Education
Convalescent Treatment
Provision of Sickroom Equipment
Chiropody
Tuberculosis
Cervical Cytology
Health
Education
The newly created Health Education Section has amply
fulfilled its early promise. Accurate information on all aspects