The World Health Organization says it does not recommend the BCG vaccination for the prevention of the new coronavirus, Japan’s broadcaster NHK reports.
The global body issued a statement on Sunday in response to reports that countries and territories where the vaccine for tuberculosis is used have lower incidences of coronavirus infections and deaths.
It said, "There is no evidence that the Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine protects people against infection with Covid-19 virus."
The report notes that a "diversion of local supplies may result in neonates not being vaccinated, resulting in an increase of disease and deaths from tuberculosis."
It also says two clinical trials are underway to address this issue, and WHO will evaluate the evidence when it is available.
BCG vaccine is a vaccine primarily used against tuberculosis. In countries where tuberculosis or leprosy is common, one dose is recommended in healthy babies as close to the time of birth as possible.
