Non-specific effect of BCG in individuals with persistent symptoms of COVID-19
1
Collective Health, Instituto de Saúde Coletiva - Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
2
Department of Tropical Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Prevention and treatment of long COVID-19 are challenges in the current epidemiological context. Given the evidence for non-specific effects of BCG against viral respiratory infections, the hypothesis that BCG vaccination might offer some protection against COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BCG vaccination status on the long-term occurrence of COVID-19.
METHODS:
A case-control study comparing the proportion with a BCG vaccine scar (indicating previous vaccination)in cases and controls presenting with COVID-19 to health units in Brazil. Cases were subjects with long COVID-19 (Individuals who presented with persistent symptoms lasting more than 90 days after the acute phase) and controls without prolonged symptoms. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate vaccine protection against long COVID-19, with strict control for age, comorbidity, sex, educational level, race/colour, and municipality.
RESULTS:
The BCG vaccine was associated with long-term protection against COVID-19, in 60% (95% CI 21–80%) of vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated individuals.
CONCLUSIONS:
BCG vaccination was associated with a lower chance of long COVID, while the severity of acute infection significantly increased the risk of persistent symptoms. These results reinforce the importance of strategies for preventing severe forms of COVID-19 and clinical monitoring of high-risk groups. From a public health perspective, this provides guidance for planning surveillance and rehabilitation actions aimed at reducing the burden of long COVID-19 on the National Health System.
Prevention and treatment of long COVID-19 are challenges in the current epidemiological context. Given the evidence for non-specific effects of BCG against viral respiratory infections, the hypothesis that BCG vaccination might offer some protection against COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BCG vaccination status on the long-term occurrence of COVID-19.
METHODS:
A case-control study comparing the proportion with a BCG vaccine scar (indicating previous vaccination)in cases and controls presenting with COVID-19 to health units in Brazil. Cases were subjects with long COVID-19 (Individuals who presented with persistent symptoms lasting more than 90 days after the acute phase) and controls without prolonged symptoms. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate vaccine protection against long COVID-19, with strict control for age, comorbidity, sex, educational level, race/colour, and municipality.
RESULTS:
The BCG vaccine was associated with long-term protection against COVID-19, in 60% (95% CI 21–80%) of vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated individuals.
CONCLUSIONS:
BCG vaccination was associated with a lower chance of long COVID, while the severity of acute infection significantly increased the risk of persistent symptoms. These results reinforce the importance of strategies for preventing severe forms of COVID-19 and clinical monitoring of high-risk groups. From a public health perspective, this provides guidance for planning surveillance and rehabilitation actions aimed at reducing the burden of long COVID-19 on the National Health System.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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