BCG vaccine boost human immune system, safe for elderly: Study

The BCG, which is given to children to prevent tuberculosis, has been found safe to give to the elderly, according to a latest study published in journal Cell.

The scientists have found that the BCG vaccine is able to protect older people against various infections, stimulating effect on the human immune system.

According to the scientists, the ‘ACTIVATE’ study, had already started before the corona pandemic.

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198 elderly people were given the vaccine during the research.

“Patients over 65 years of age who were admitted to hospital were randomised to receive BCG or placebo vaccination at their discharge. We followed them for a year to see if BCG could protect them against a broad range of infections,” co-author of the study, Mihai Netea said.

Although several studies in connection with BCG vaccine are still underway.

According to the researchers, the follow-up studies will provide clarity on whether BCG vaccination can also protect against infections with the novel coronavirus.