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
Beddington and Wallington 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]
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Immunisation Against Diphtheria
Four clinics are held weekly to give immunisation against diphtheria.
These are held at each of the three Infant Welfare Centres and at the
Medical Officer of Health's Department at the Town Hall.
The following table gives the number of children residing in the Borough who were known to be immunised in both age groups:
| 0-5 years | 5-15 years | Total 0-15 years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approximate number of children in the Borough at 31st Dec., 1956 | 1,760 | 4,640 | 6,400 |
| Number of children known to be immunised at 31st Dec., 1956 | 1,086 | 4,404 | 5,490 |
| Percentage of children immunised | 61.7 | 94.9 | 85.8 |
Alum precipitated toxoid (A.P.T.) is provided free from the Government's
Central Laboratories and has been used throughout the year in
our immunisation scheme. No cases of illness have resulted from the
injections and no child has been prevented from following his daily
routine on treatment days.
This is one of the services transferred to the local health authority on
5th July, 1948. In addition to the work conducted by the Divisional
Medical Officer, general practitioners have been brought into the scheme,
and they forward returns of completed cases of immunisation to the
Divisional Medical Officer, for which they receive a fee.
Whooping Cough Immunisation
This service was continued throughout the year by the local health
authority, to whom it was transferred on the 5th July, 1948. During the
year, 376 children were immunised at County Council clinics or by their
general practitioner.
The new whooping-cough vaccine, combined with diphtheria prophylactic
in a mixed vaccine continued to be used, especially amongst young
children in attendance at infant welfare centres. Mothers have shown
themselves very appreciative of whooping-cough immunisation, and the
percentage of parents availing themselves of this service seems to have
increased. This service continues to be offered free of charge.
Poliomyelitis Vaccination
As mentioned in the preface to the report, the poliomyelitis vaccination
scheme was introduced in January, 1956. A propaganda drive and
the distribution of consent forms was undertaken by the department, and
of an estimated child population of 3,350 in the eligible age-groups 1947
to 1954, acceptances were received for 1,307, being a percentage of 39.
20