BCG vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19
RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital is conducting the study in Bengaluru.
As COVID -19 has affected lives across world, many initiatives have been undertaken to prevent its impact on the humanity.
RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital in Bengaluru is conducting a trial to study the effectiveness of BCG, the anti-tuberculosis vaccine, in proving its effect against COVID -19.
As a part of the trial which have been approved by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), an estimated 150 voluntary participants who are elderly citizens in the age group of 60 to 80 years, free from COVID -19 will be administered with a booster dose of BCG vaccine.
“Over the next nine months, the administered participants will be monitored for the presence of antibodies in their blood and how they respond in the context of COVID -19 “, Principal of RRMCH. Dr. S. Naveen told the Times of India.
The trial is conducted by Dr. Praveen Kumar, Medical Superintendent, RRMCH along with Dr. Vidya G. S, Associate Professor, Dept. Community Medicine and Dr. Vivek G, Assistant Professor, Dept. Pulmonary Medicine.
BCG vaccine is a part of our universal immunization schedule with proven safety profile over many decades. Apart from preventing Tuberculosis, this also prevents many respiratory illnesses. This is the idea behind giving a “ booster dose “ of the same vaccine amongst elderly population since they are at high risk of developing COVID -19 and its related complications.
It is truly commendable that RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital is one of the few centres chosen by ICMR for BCG vaccine trial.
