“PRECAUTION” KILLED HIM.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 234, 26 April 1928, Page 4

“PRECAUTION” KILLED HIM.

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 W’arrington, England. 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 Chetter 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. Mrs 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 qoroner: 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 liable to take any contagion there was. The jury returned a verdict showing that Chetter died from meningitis, as would appear from the medical evidence.