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POLIOMYELITIS.
There was only one case of Poliomyelitis notified in the
Borough during 1956 - a boy of 7, who developed the non-paralytic
type in an obscure way. The illness was not severe and he made a
complete recovery. He had not "been vaccinated against poliomyelitis.
During the year a national scheme came into operation whereby
parents could register their children for vaccination against
Paralytic Poliomyelitis.
It was sponsored by the Ministry of Health and the Medical
Research Council, and on behalf of the Surrey County Council ana
the County Medical Officer the Divisional Medical Officer conducted
the operation in the North Central Division (Kingston, Maiden,
Esher and Surbiton) in a field of approximately 23,000 children in
the appropriate age groups.
In 1956 a limited amount of vaccine was available and,
therefore, only a proportion of those who were registered were able
to be vaccinated.
The choice of children was made by the Medical Research Council
according to the amount of vaccine available for use in May and June.
The selection was made according to month, year and sex, so that the
most representative selection of children could receive the limited
supply of vaccine. The children concerned who were offered this
batch of vaccine were those born between 1947 and 1954 (inclusive)
(i.e.3 years to 9 years of age). In order to qualify for
selection the names of children had to be registered with' the
Divisional Medical Officer.
A very successful registration of children was obtained.
Figures for Surbiton are not separately available but included
in the North Central Division a total of 7.104 (3,674 males and
3,430 females) up to and including 10th April, 1956, relating to
children born between 1st January, 1947? to 31st December, 1954.
The injection is 1 cc. of fluid intp the muscle of the left
upper arm, repeated at the end of 3 - 4 weeks (i.e. 2 in all).
Complete study of the results of all vaccinations was
undertaken "by the Medical Research Council to which all records
had to he sent, and the Ministry of Health had also to he informed
of all notified cases of Poliomyelitis occurring during the year.
Prom the study of the information a proper evaluation of the
benefits of the vaccine as used in this country would be obtained.
The vaccine selected was that used ON a small scale privately
in 1955 with good results and Was modified. Salk Type, like that in
U.S.A. and Canada. Before release it had to pass safety tests
more stringent than those elsewhere.

In addition to the above figures nine Surbiton children
received one injection only.
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