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
संसाधन:
- 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)
- ऑस्ट्रेलियाई टीकाकरण पुस्तिका: क्षय रोग
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:
Clinical Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases David Isaacs talks about the COVID-19 pandemic
Clinical Professor of Paediatric Infectious Diseases David Isaacs and his son, Mark Isaacs, writer, researcher, photographer and community worker have recorded a podcast about the COVID-19 pandemic and what you need to know. It is a great overview of the COVID-19 pandemic and helps to dispel some of the myths and hysteria surrounding the disease.
The original post with links to the transcript can be found here:
markjisaacs.com: Professor David Isaacs talks about COVID-19
The podcast can be found here:
ChangeMakers: Professor David Isaacs Change Maker Chat
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
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
MJA podcast now available: COVID-19 in Australia with Professor Allen Cheng
The MJA have released a podcast with Professor Allen Cheng, Director of the Infection Prevention and Healthcare Epidemiology Unit at Alfred Health. He and MJA news and online editor Cate Swannell discuss how COVID-19 may behave in Australia and how we can protect ourselves and our patients.
Listen to the podcast here:
MJA Podcasts 2020 Episode 8: COVID-19 in Australia, with Prof Allen Cheng
Clinical Vaccinology Update (CVU) 2020 - Postponed
Due to the current uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 situation which WHO has now declared a pandemic, the 11th CVU is postponed.
Please see our आयोजन page for more details.
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?
Worried about your child getting coronavirus? Here’s what you need to know
Early advice on 2020 National Immunisation Program seasonal influenza vaccination
Australia's Chief Medical Officer has released a statement providing early advice for vaccination providers on the 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines available through the National Immunisation Program.
Chief Medical Officer letter - Early advice for the 2020 influenza season and ATAGI statement
News article for Health Care Providers - 2020 seasonal influenza vaccines