Early Report of BCG Group Against COVID-19: Initial Results of the
Volunteer BCG Vaccination
Abstract
Objective: This article aimed to report the potential protective effect
of BCG vaccine against COVID-19 by presenting the follow-up report of
individuals who voluntarily receive BCG vaccination (BCG group). In this
direction, preliminary data from BCG group regarding participants’
SARS-CoV-2 infection status, and the side effects with complications of
BCG vaccination is reported. Method: A total of 84 health professionals
and their relatives who voluntarily received BCG vaccine included in the
study. Participants completed an online questionnaire that consists of
14 questions regarding their characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 infection
status, and effects of BCG. Results: 63 participants were healthcare
workers, and 21 participants were relatives of a healthcare worker.
81(96.4%) participants stated that they consider themselves in the
high-risk group for getting infected with SARS-CoV-2. 69(82.1%)
participants declared that they had been in the same environment and
contacted with a COVID-19 patient. 82(97.6%) participants had at least
one BCG scar from childhood. 21(25%) participants declared one
complication after BCG vaccination. As a complication, 8(38.1%)
participants had local non-permanent sterile abscess, and 13(61.9%) of
them had weakness, joint pain, and subfebrile fever. 31(36.9%)
participants had a PCR test for COVID-19 at least 4 weeks after BCG
revaccination, and the results of all 31 participants were negative.
82(97.6%) participants declared that they felt more protected against
COVID-19 after BCG vaccination. Conclusion: Results from this study
suggest that it is beneficial to administer BCG vaccine to protect the
high-risk group against COVID-19 with no side effects and risks.