No sufficient evidence tuberculosis vaccine can help manage COVID-19 infection — DOH

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 31)— The Health Department on Monday cautioned against the use of the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine for COVID-19, saying there’s still no sufficient evidence that the product— used to combat tuberculosis disease— can help offer protection from the coronavirus.

In a media forum, Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said it would be best for authorities to await the results of ongoing studies on BCG— before it can be used to manage COVID-19 infections.

“Wala pa pong sapat na (There’s still no sufficient) evidence that would say that BCG can have this good effect for COVID-19… Let us wait for the result of the studies that are being undertaken in other countries so we can be properly informed,” Vergeire said.

“It is not being used for COVID-19 yet. Kailangan natin ng sapat na ebidensya muna bago tayo gagamit ng mga ganitong technology,” the Health official stressed.

[Translation: We need sufficient evidence before we can use this kind of technology.]

The BCG vaccine is used in several countries with high prevalence of tuberculosis, according to the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The product is often given to infants and small children.

In July, CNN reported that some researchers from different countries found the vaccine as a “potential tool” to help aid the fight against the coronavirus. In a research published on the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, international experts reported that countries which have used the vaccine tallied less mortality rates from COVID-19.

The World Health Organization, however, also earlier issued a warning against the use of the BCG vaccine until more information surfaces.

CNN Philippines correspondent Carolyn Bonquin contributed to this report.