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.
Full Citation:
Jensen KJ, Biering-Sørensen S, Ursing J et al. 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).
Title of Article: Seasonal variation in the non-specific effects of BCG vaccination on neonatal mortality: Three randomised controlled trials in Guinea-Bissau
Author(s): Jensen KJ, Biering-Sørensen S, Ursing J et al
Publication Year: 2020
Publication Name: BMJ Global Health
Publication Volume: 5(3)
Publication Source URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32201619/
DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001873
Topics: Health
Disease Vaccines: Tuberculosis/BCG
Immunization Terms: Non-specific effects
Countries: Guinea-Bissau
WHO Regions: Africa