BACILLUS CALMETTE-GUÉRIN VACCINATION TO PREVENT SERIOUS RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION AND COVID-19 IN VULNERABLE ELDERLY - AN ADAPTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL (BCG-PRIME)

Elderly people with a chronic illness have an increased risk of serious COVID-19 infection. In the BCG-PRIME study we investigated whether the tuberculosis vaccine (BCG vaccine) reduces the risk or severity of COVID-19. The research shows that this is not the case. Therefore, the BCG vaccine has no place in protection against COVID-19. People aged 60 or older with chronic diseases received raffle BCG or a placebo vaccination administered. They then kept data for 6 months on respiratory complaints, COVID-19 tests and contacts with their GP. Participants who received BCG were just as likely to have COVID-19 and were hospitalized for COVID-19 as participants who received placebo. The number of respiratory infections treated by a doctor also did not differ. The study was conducted in 20 hospitals in the Netherlands, including 7 academic hospitals and 15 non-academic hospitals. The research was coordinated by the UMC Utrecht. Also read: Tuberculosis vaccine does not prevent corona infection (NRC, January 18) Does the BCG Vaccine Protect Our Vulnerable Elderly? (film, UMC Utrecht, Oct 2020) Research the effect of BCG vaccine against the consequences of COVID-19 in vulnerable elderly people (Sep 2020) More information Research into corona and COVID-19