Publication

Seasonal variation in the non-specific effects of BCG vaccination on neonatal mortality: Three randomised controlled trials in Guinea-Bissau

Authored by:

Jensen, K. J., Biering-Sørensen, S., Ursing, J., Kofoed, P. E. L., Aaby, P., & Benn, C. S.

Full Citation:

Jensen, K. J., Biering-Sørensen, S., Ursing, J., Kofoed, P. E. L., Aaby, P., & Benn, C. S. 2020. Seasonal variation in the non-specific effects of BCG vaccination on neonatal mortality: Three randomised controlled trials in Guinea-Bissau. BMJ Global Health. 5(3).

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Additional key concepts from this publication:

Administration of vaccines can also decrease childhood deaths from other causes, above and beyond the expected direct impact of the vaccine.

Key Evidence: Three randomized controlled trials enrolling a total of over 6500 infants over 12 consecutive years in Guinea-Bissau found a 38% reduction in all-cause neonatal mortality associated with early vaccination with BCG. Revisiting these trials to explore the seasonal variation in this effect, it was found that early vaccination with BCG was particularly beneficial when administered between November and January, coincident with peaking malaria infections.