Vaccine repurposing approach for preventing COVID 19: can MMR vaccines reduce morbidity and mortality?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread illness and mortality globally.
• A notable observation is the generally mild or negligible symptoms of COVID-19 in children, especially those under 10 years old.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that widespread pediatric vaccination with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine may confer innate immune protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To explore the potential of repurposing the MMR vaccine for immuno-prophylaxis against COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• This study is based on observational data and hypothesis generation.
• It examines the correlation between global MMR vaccination rates in pediatric populations and the observed severity of COVID-19 symptoms in the same demographic.

Main Results:

• Children under 10 years of age exhibit significantly milder symptoms of COVID-19 compared to other age groups.
• The hypothesis posits that prior MMR vaccination could induce innate immune responses, such as interferon production and natural killer cell activation, offering cross-protection against SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions:

• The extensive global pediatric MMR vaccination program may contribute to the observed natural immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in young individuals.
• Repurposing the MMR vaccine for immuno-prophylaxis against COVID-19 is a plausible strategy that warrants further research and clinical investigation.