Clinical trial of BCG vaccine against COVID-19 (BRACE)
Led by Professor Nigel Curtis, Researchers at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute are conducting a randomised controlled clinical trial of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19. The study, known as the BRACE trial (BCG vaccination to Reduce the impact of COVID-19 in Australian healthcare workers following Coronavirus Exposure), has been endorsed by the Director-General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Designed to provide protection against tuberculosis, the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine may also potentially provide immunity to protect against other infections. The purpose of the BRACE trial is to investigate whether or not BCG vaccination protects against COVID-19 or reduces the severity of symptoms of COVID-19 in healthcare workers.
This has led to people who do not meet the criteria for the trial seeking to have the BCG vaccine.
MVEC and physician BCG experts, have reached a consensus position on this issue, as detailed below:
| We strongly advise against anyone having BCG outside of a clinical trial, unless they meet criteria as per the Australian Immunisation Handbook tuberculosis guidelines. |
BCG vaccine is known to be effective in protecting young children from tuberculosis, and has been affected by global shortages in recent years. Using a vaccine (like BCG), for a non-proven use, carries risks to those vaccinated and those who prescribe it. Furthermore, additional use of BCG vaccine outside a trial, could lead to shortages for infants who need it to protect against tuberculosis. Many travel clinics providing BCG have been placed on-hold due to the current limitations on overseas travel. However, travel and hospital-based BCG clinics will aim to increase access to the vaccine when travel restrictions (including to tuberculosis endemic countries) are lifted.
Authorised by:
- Dr Nigel Curtis, Dr Nigel Crawford, Dr Jim Buttery, Dr Shidan Tosif, Dr Daryl Cheng and Dr Teresa Lazzaro
-8th April 2020
Resources:
- MCRI: BCG vaccination to Reduce the impact of COVID-19 in Australian healthcare workers following Coronavirus Exposure (BRACE) Trial
- MCRI: Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to trial preventative vaccine for COVID-19 healthcare workers
- MVEC: BCG vaccine (including BCG clinics in Victoria)
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: Tuberculosis
Telethon Kids provide COVID-19 resources for parents, families and schools
The Telethon Kids Institute have created resources for parents, families and schools in which their experts provide up to date advice and address community concerns (including a video Q & A session from kids in the community).
Their information is reliable, current and based on the best-available evidence.
You can view their resources at:
Visitor access to The Royal Children's Hospital
The Royal Children’s Hospital is committed to protecting the safety of its patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find out more information on visitor restrictions here.
Pharmacist Immuniser Update
Victorian Pharmacist Immunisers are now authorised to administer influenza vaccines to patients 10-years and older and pertussis-containing, measles-mumps-rubella and meningococcal ACWY vaccines to people aged 15 years and older.
For more information see the most recent DHHS Secretary Approval: Pharmacist Immuniser.
See also our updated MVEC: Pharmacist Immuniser page and the MVEC: Influenza vaccine recommendations page.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) & pregnancy
An article from the Raising Children's Network about Coronavirus and pregnancy. Coronavirus is new, so we’re still learning about it and how it affects people, including pregnant women and their babies. However, new evidence suggests pregnant women don’t seem to be more likely to get coronavirus than other healthy people of the same age. Use the link below to read the full article.
Coronavirus (COVIID-19) & pregnancy
The Royal Children's Hospital immunisation service closed to the public
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the Immunisation Drop-in centre is providing vaccinations to RCH patients only, and based on clinical need. Children and families who are not current patients of the RCH are encouraged to visit their local GP or other immunisation provider.
The MVEC: Victorian council immunisation session page has the contact details of councils within Victoria, many of whom have updated their websites to advise how they will be providing immunisation services in light of COVID-19. Please contact your local council directly for the most up to date information.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and children in Australia
Your kids are hearing about coronavirus (COVID-19). The Raising Children Network (Australia) has developed a useful resource to ensure they get reliable information.
Here are some tips on how to talk about it: COVID-19 and children in Australia
Statement on school closures in Victoria; a Department of Health announcement
The Department of Health has released a statement made by Dr Brett Sutton, the Victorian Chief Medical Officer, on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and school closures in Victoria
You can read the announcement here DHHS Vic: Education sector and COVID-19
When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?
With the presence of coronavirus in Australia, people are wondering whether they need to get the flu vaccine early this year.
According to ABC News the flu vaccine won't combat COVID-19, however, it does reduce the severity and spread of seasonal influenza, as contacting influenza can lower a person's immunity and make them more susceptible to other illnesses.
Timing is important with the flu vaccine. it is important to be protected when the flu season starts and also several months later, when flu activity peaks. To ensure the highest level of protection during peak flu season, the Department of Health recommends people get vaccinated from mid April.
Read the full article here:
ABC News: When should I get the flu vaccine, and does coronavirus change things?