ABSTRACT
Two surveys of cases of diphtheria occurring between the years 1964 and 1971 in hospital populations of Kingston and St. Andrew were studied. The results were analysed to determine the extent of the disease and to indicate the most susceptible groups in the community. It was found that the susceptible group consisted of non-immunised children under 5 years of age, from areas where there was over-crowding, poor housing and sanitation. Using these results as a guide, Schick Testing was carried out on children in a low income suburb and the results analysed. This showed a high degree of susceptibility in the non-immunised children, especially the 1 and 2 year olds, and also showed some degree of protection among children who had no record of any immunisations (Summary)