Recent news from India reveals an intriguing healthcare discourse. Medical professionals and researchers have exhibited prudence regarding a study that suggests countries utilizing the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine in their immunization programs are experiencing less COVID-19 related deaths. BCG, introduced as a Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine, may have unexpected, yet advantageous implications for our current global health crisis.
Exploring Death Rates: The Impact of Universal BCG Policies
A noteworthy variation exists when comparing death rates from COVID-19 between middle and high-income countries with universal BCG policies and those without. Countries implementing universal BCG vaccination policies experienced a lower average death rate of 0.78 per million people. In contrast, countries without such a policy saw substantially higher mortality, averaging 16.39 deaths per million.
Exclusion of Low and Middle-Income Countries from the Analysis
Though some low and middle-income countries also implement universal BCG policies, they were not included in this study’s analysis. This is due to the likelihood of these countries having lower COVID-19 testing rates, which would consequently lead to fewer reported deaths. Key examples of such exclusions include India, which has a universal BCG policy and relatively low COVID-19 death rates but was not part of this analysis.
BCG Vaccine and its Impact on Immune Response
Known for invoking a potent immune response, the BCG vaccine provides substantial protection against leprosy and non-invasive bladder cancers. This study conjectures that countries where older populations received BCG vaccinations during their childhood might exhibit lower COVID-19 mortality rates due to the vaccine-induced strengthened immunity.
Real-World Examples: Japan, Iran, and Western Countries
As a country regularly administering BCG since 1947, Japan has managed to maintain low mortality rates, even with the early onslaught of COVID-19 and an absence of stringent social isolation protocols. Conversely, Iran, which started BCG vaccinations in 1984, saw higher mortality rates as those above 36 were unvaccinated and thus more susceptible. Western countries like Spain, France, the United States, Italy, and the Netherlands lack universal BCG policies and have suffered high COVID-19 death tolls.
Not Always Beneficial: The Drawbacks of BCG
Many countries abstain from universal BCG programs due to its inconsistent protective effects against adult TB and a documented increase in Mycobacterium (bacteria) species. Italy, a country facing high COVID-19 mortality rates, has never implemented a universal BCG vaccination program.
Indian Scientists and Doctors’ Viewpoints
Indian healthcare professionals advise caution regarding the study’s implications. Despite India’s consistent TB vaccination policy since 1968, it is considered premature to find solace in these findings. However, countries like Australia, the Netherlands, and the United States have begun administering BCG vaccines to healthcare workers. This could furnish valuable evidence supporting the study’s hypothesis.