Coronavirus: UK study tests if BCG vaccine protects against Covid

TB jab could reduce risk of infection, researchers say

A vaccine usually given to protect children from tuberculosis could help protect adults against coronavirus infection, researchers say.

Researchers at the University of Exeter will lead trials to find whether the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine could protect against contracting Covid-19 after the injection was found to stimulate the immune system.

It is not expected to be a ultimate solution but could instead help people fight off coronavirus until more effective vaccines are discovered.

The trial is recruiting care home staff and healthcare workers in southwest England, who can attend clinics in Exeter.

Participants will be given either the BCG vaccine — which is currently given to more than 100 million babies worldwide each year to protect against tuberculosis — or a placebo injection.

Previous studies suggest the BCG vaccine could reduce susceptibility to infection by viruses including those similar to the coronavirus.

The BCG vaccine boosts immunity by “training” the body to better respond to subsequent other infections.

In the UK, routine BCG vaccination was stopped in 2005 because of low rates of TB in the general population.

Professor John Campbell, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “Covid-19 has killed more than a million people globally, with well over 33 million people acquiring the disease, sometimes in its severest forms.

“BCG has been shown to boost immunity in a generalised way, which may offer some protection against Covid-19.

“We're excited to be contributing to the large-scale, international study where we are seeking to establish whether the BCG vaccine could help protect people who are at risk of Covid-19."

Prof Campbell added that the trial is targeting front-line workers who he said have so far been “overlooked by most research”.

“The trial provides us with a great opportunity to offer potential help to this important group of individuals who are providing healthcare to some of our most vulnerable citizens in important community settings.”

Research at the University of Exeter forms part of a global study coordinated by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, which has received more than $10m (£7.6m) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The UK joins study centres in Australia, the Netherlands, Spain and Brazil in the largest trial of its kind.

The Peter Sowerby Foundation has contributed funding to support the Exeter trial site.

Additional reporting by Press Association