FATAL “PRECAUTION”

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 April 1928, Page 9

FATAL “PRECAUTION”

MAN WHO WAS VACCINATED.

The question as to whether vaccination as a precaution against smallpox had contributed in any way to the death of John Houlston Chetter was raised at an inquest held by the coroner (Mr S. Brighouse) and a jury at Warrington. Chetter, who was a fitter’s labourer, was vaccinated as a precaution. He later became ill and died. It was stated that owing to the outbreak of smallpox in the borough, and two cases having occurred in Messrs.. Crosfield’s works, the management invited all employees to be vaccinated. It was optional for each person to be vaccinated, but those refusing were told that they would be suspended for an indefinite period. Although Citetter did not want to be vaccinated, he agreed rather than be suspended. He was vaccinated and continued at work for a week, when he was sent home owing to the swollen condition of his arm. He became worse, and was taken to the infirmary, where he died. Ms Chetter said that up to the time of being vaccinated, her husband was very healthy. Dr. Bowden gave the results of a post-mortem examination, and said he found the cause of death to be meningitis or inflammation of the covering of the brain. .The Coroner: Can you say, eliminating all reasonable doubt, that the vaccination contributed in any shape or form, in any degree great or small, to the cause of death?

Dr. Bowden: It is impossible to eliminate that, but on the other hand he was not a healthy subject. He was very fat and below par, and was liable to take any contagion there was.

Are you prepared to say that vaccination did not contribute?—-No. I am not prepared to say that it did not. Are you prepared to say it did? — No; because the sores were healthy, and the swelling had all gone. The Coroner: If the question of vaccination had come up I should have said something about it. I cannot better express my views than by saying that when a conscientious objector comes to me and says he wants me to sign a certificate of exemption and asks me to witness it according to the Act I respectfully decline and say he can go elsewhere. The jury returned a verdict showing that Chetter died from meningitis, as would appear from the medical evidence.