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COVID-19 Death and BCG Vaccination Programs Worldwide.
Feras J Jirjees1, Yahya H Dallal Bashi2, Hala J Al-Obaidi2
1College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
|September 5, 2020
Summary
The bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine may protect healthcare workers against COVID-19 deaths. Countries with BCG vaccination policies showed significantly lower COVID-19 mortality rates, suggesting a key role for BCG in reducing deaths.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Clinical trials are investigating the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine's protective effect against COVID-19 mortality in healthcare providers.
- Live vaccines, like BCG, may reduce mortality from non-targeted pathogens via nonspecific (heterologous) effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between national BCG vaccination policies and COVID-19 death rates.
- To determine if BCG vaccination influences mortality in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of COVID-19 death rates per capita in countries with and without national BCG vaccination policies.
- Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney test to compare median death rates.
Main Results:
- Countries with a national BCG vaccination policy exhibited a 21-fold lower median rate of COVID-19 deaths per million population compared to countries without such a policy (p<0.001).
- Early establishment of BCG vaccination policies appears correlated with reduced COVID-19 mortality.
Conclusions:
- The BCG vaccination policy is a significant factor in reducing COVID-19 and tuberculosis mortality.
- Implementing a national BCG vaccination strategy early is crucial for mitigating pandemic-related deaths.
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