INJECTIONS AGAINST DIPHTHERIA

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27040, 15 May 1953, Page 3

INJECTIONS AGAINST DIPHTHERIA

IMMUNISATION SCHEME RESUMED The recent poliomyelitis epidemic in New Zealand resulted in a delay of several months in the Health Department’s diphtheria immunisation programme in Christchurch. Because of a possible relationship between the various types of inoculations and poliomyelitis, diphtheria immunisation of children over six months old was suspended in November last year, and the programme was not resumed until la Th? C Medical Officer of Health in Christchurch (Dr. D. P. Kennedy) said yesterday, that because of the interruption, the protection normally afforded children was lagging considerably, and parents who normally had their children Inoculated against .diphtheria were urged to take the necessary steps as soon as possible. The first immunisations were 1 done between six and 12 months of age, and a booster injection should be given just before the fifth birthday. " • Immunisation could be arranged through the family doctor, said Dr. Kennedy. Wherfe that was not done, arrangements could be made with the department’s medical officers at school or pre-school clinics. The dates and times of the clinics were advertised regularly, and parents could also take their children to the department’s immunisation clinic. Appointments at the clinic could be made by application, in writing,, or by telephone, at the department’s district office.