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Infective Diseases.
21
children under five years of age, who were assumed to be susceptible
to Diphtheria on account of their age.
The Initial Schick Test:—An analysis of the results of
the tests performed is given in Table XIII. which shows the cases
divided into age groups and sexes and the result of the test in each
group. The last line of the table gives the percentage of the
results found to be positive in each group excluding those who failed
to attend for the test to be read.
The essential fact brought out by this Table is that 2,289
persons gave a positive result to the initial Schick Test showing
that they were susceptible to Diphtheria. This is 69 per cent.
The highest proportion of positive results occurs in the lowest
age group and the proportion diminishes as age advances. This
is in accordance with the known facts about the Schick Test. Of
the small number of adults who were tested 51 per cent, gave a positive
result.
Immunisation:—In order to produce immunity three injections
of T.A.M. or two of T.A.F. have to be given at weekly
intervals. Immunity does not develop until several months have
elapsed after the last injection, and in order to determine whether
this has occurred it is essential for a further test to be performed.
This is generally known as the Re-Schick Test. No person can
be said to have been immunised successfully until the re-test gives
a negative result. Unfortunately the exact period required to
produce immunity varies considerably and it is not possible to
give an assurance that it will take a certain time. After the
last of the immunising injections has been given, parents are
advised to bring their children for the re-test in about four to six
months and many of them come about that time. A considerable
proportion, however, fail to attend for the re-test and some fail to
complete the course of injections.
The number of persons attending the Clinics who required
immunisation was 3,297. This number is made up of the 2,289
who were found to be Schick positive after the initial test, and
the 1,008 young children who were assumed to be susceptible without
a test, as they were under five years of age. The