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TB, Measles, Polio Vaccines Might Fight COVID-19

Steve Baragona

   WASHINGTON - As the world waits for a COVID-19 vaccine, scientists are
   testing whether shots already in use for other diseases might provide
   some protection from the worst impacts of the disease caused by the
   coronavirus.

   Vaccines containing living but weakened organisms, including those
   against tuberculosis, polio and measles, may provide a boost to the
   immune system that would help fight the coronavirus.

   While they probably wouldn't provide protection as good as a
   purpose-built vaccine, research has already shown that these
   immunizations help ward off diseases other than the ones for which they
   were designed.

   Plus, these shots have a proven safety record stretching back decades.

   "And not only that, it's something we can put out almost immediately,"
   said Jeffrey Cirillo, director of the Texas A&M University Center for
   Airborne Pathogen Research and Imaging.

   The manufacturing facilities are already up and running, delivering
   hundreds of millions of doses every year, he noted.

   Vaccine bonus

   Cirillo and his colleagues are [1]testing whether a vaccine called BCG
   can help protect health workers and first responders from COVID-19.

References

   1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04348370?term=bacille+Calmette-Guerin&cond=Covid-19&draw=2&rank=8

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