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24
VACCINATION AND IMMUNISATION
Computerisation of Immunisation Scheme
The computer appointment system for prophylaxis has been in
operation since 1 April 1970, and details of all children born since
the 1 January 1969 are held by the computer which also holds the
immunisation schedule and details of clinic and surgery sessions. The
computer prints out appointment cards and appointment lists for the
children as their immunisation becomes due. If any child fails to
attend, two further appointment cards are sent. Lists of those who still
do not attend are then printed out for follow-up by the health visitor.
The problem of catching up with defaulters rests largely on the
effectiveness of this follow-up and because of the shortage of health
visiting staff it is often difficult to get all the follow-up work
done in time to keep a child's records in the computer system.
The total number of completed primary courses of injections in
1971 shows a decrease on the 1970 figures; as that year was the first
year of computer operations, children born in 1969 who had previously
not been immunised were picked up and immunised during that year, thus
producing higher figures than normal.
In June, following requests by medical officers, a supply of
syringes with hypodermic needles of finer calibre (5/8") was made
available for use with babies and small children.
A standard letter was compiled and issued to Hackney Schools
because of the number of children, especially those from overseas,
entering Junior or Secondary Schools without being immunised. Parents
are thus advised as to the immunisations required together with the
names of clinics and session times.
Smallpox Vaccination
At the end of July the Department of Health and Social Security's
Joint Committee on vaccination and immunisation advised that, because
of the diminishing likelihood of occurrence of smallpox in this country
and the very small but still definite risk of serious complications
associated with vaccination it had prompted a reassessment of the
balance of the risks involved, and accordingly recommended that smallpox
vaccination need no longer be carried out as a routine procedure in
early childhood. The practice was, therefore, discontinued in the Borough
from 23 August 1971. Any children or adults requiring smallpox vaccination
because of travel to endemic areas were referred to their respective
general practitioners and the latter were informed.
At-risk health service staff who come into contact with patients,
e.g. hospitals, doctors and nurses, public health staff and ambulance
workers will be offered vaccination and regular re-vaccination. A small
supply of smallpox lymph will continue to be kept at the central office.