Contrary to widely published reports that the conventional vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) offers protection against the novel coronavirus, the World Health Organisation (WHO), yesterday, dismissed the claim. WHO continues to recommend neonatal BCG vaccination in countries or settings with a high incidence of tuberculosis.
“There is experimental evidence from both animal and human studies that the BCG vaccine has non-specific effects on the immune system. These effects have not been well characterised and their clinical relevance is unknown.
“On April 11, 2020, WHO updated its ongoing evidence review of the major scientific databases and clinical trial repositories, using English, French and Chinese search terms for COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and BCG.
“The review also yielded two registered protocols for clinical trials, both of which aim to study the effects of BCG vaccination given to healthcare workers directly involved in the care of patients with COVID-19.
“BCG vaccination prevents severe forms of tuberculosis in children and diversion of local supplies may result in neonates not being vaccinated, resulting in an increase of disease and deaths from tuberculosis. In the absence of evidence, WHO does not recommend BCG vaccination for the prevention of COVID-19. WHO continues to recommend neonatal BCG vaccination in countries or settings with a high incidence of tuberculosis.”
WHO said its cargo was transported by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and it included face shields; gloves; goggles; gowns; masks, aprons, thermometers as well as ventilators.
The agency added that the consignment also had supplies from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Jack Ma Foundation Initiative.
Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; the Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, and WFP’s Executive Director, David Beasley, made the confirmations.
source: TheGuardian
