Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-05-24
VACCINATION.
RecOmmen d atfons from the Health
Omcer on the Subject.

SAVANNAH, May 22-Editor Morning NesOs:
1 think the time most opportune, while
Savannah is free from smallpox, and the
dread disease is so near as Atlanta, that this
community should be brought to seriously
think about the probability of the disease
being introduced into this city. The mu-
nicipal authorities have used every endeavor
during the past two years to make vaccina-
ton general, and with good result, but there
is large proportion of our population still
unprotected by this simple and only effectual
safeguard. Our citizens should appreciate
the danger to life and pecunisry loss, should
small pox be introduced into the CITY. Indi-
vidually and collectively, they should do all
in their power to prevent the disease becom-
ing general, should such introduction take
place. l most respectfully submit for the
careful consideration of the public the fol-
lowing extracts from Health Offlcer's reports
for 1880 and 1881:
Vaccinations the only protection against
smallpox, and, although this fact is so well
known, 1t Is astonishing and lamentable to
find so large a portion Of our community
who are unprotected by this simple but eff
fectual safeguard.
'In closing this report, would most re-
specially bring to the consideration of the
municipal authorities, and the community
at large, the following suggestions:
al. That all applicants for admission into
public schools be required to produce ply
sicisn's certificate that they have been sue
cessfully vaccinsted, and that admission be
refused until such certificate Is presented.
so. That revaccination be advised, as the
necessity for the same is taught by expe-
rieDce.
''3. That legislation be invoked to make
vaccination conn ulsory. or as nearly so as
the laws of the State will allow.
"4. That our citizens be advised and urged
to adopt the rule Of not employing any SER
want unless he or she is vaccinated, or win
at once submit to the operation.
UNFORTUNATELY the State law does not
make vaccination compulsory, but citizens
can do much to protect their families, and
by combined action, the community at
large. by positively refusing to keep or have
in employ any servant who is not vaccinated.
It is a known fact that the Epidemic of
smallpox in this city of 1870A77 was kept
alive by servants who slept away from their
places Of daily occupation, in houses where
they aided In secreting smallpox cases;
leaving these pest-houses they came In con-
tact with those who hired them, and others.
thus spreading the disease broadcast. l
most respectfully suggest that the city
aubnOrltles OF savannah memorlallZe the
next session Of the General Assembly of
Georgia for the passage OF law which will
give authority for making vaccination COM
pulsory when said officials shall deem it
necessary for the health and safety of this
community"
Vaccination is a simple operation, but It
should be performed by physician, and In
Savannah where those who are not able to
pay for vaccination are vSecinsted free of
cost with the best virus that can be OBJ
tanned from vaccine, there Is no reason why
our community should not be thoroughly
protected from a troublesome invasion Of
the disease.
Trusting that you will give publication to
this, am, sir, yours,
j. T. MCFARLAND, NJ. D.,
Health Officer.