A study by the New York Institute of Technology suggests that countries which have well established BCG vaccination programmes may have some protection against the Coronavirus.
The Corona virus has travelled to almost every corner of the globe. Yet, scientists have noticed that some populations appear to fare better when it comes to catching it and in how their immune systems cope.
So, they set out to discover why the huge discrepancies. Some differences could relate to disparities in lifestyle and traditions. But scientists believe that routine delivery of the BCG vaccine may offer protection.
Developed in 1922 the vaccine protects against TB. It also offers protection against several other respiratory diseases. Rolled out in South Africa in 1973, it has a large section of the population covered. Between 80% to 90% of the South African population have received BCG vaccinations since 1973.
Countries such as Japan, South Korea and South Africa where the BCG is routinely applied appear to have weathered the onset of Coronavirus far better than many other populations. Spain, Italy and the USA have not introduced the BCG. The response in these countries to the virus has scientists wondering.
Researchers have warned that the research must continue. For now, there definitely appears to be a correlation between the routine use of BCG and the immune response of populations protected by it.