§ 42. Mr. Leachasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what period has to elapse in Edinburgh after the third anti-diphtheria injection before the patient is considered immunised, and whether a similar period has to elapse at Aberdeen, Dundee, and Glasgow before inoculated children are considered to have been immunised?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am informed that, in the view of the medical officers of health concerned, it is difficult to state definitely the period necessary to secure immunity against diphtheria following inoculation, since individual children vary widely. In the majority of cases immunity is secured within six weeks after the last inoculation, although in a certain number a longer time may be necessary, ranging up to three or even six months.
§ Mr. LeachDoes not the answer signify that the medical profession are rather groping in the dark, and playing dangerous games with the public health?
§ Mr. ColvilleNo, Sir.