In:
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Oxford University Press (OUP), ( 2023-09-29)
Abstract:
The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine can induce non-specific protection against unrelated infections. We aimed to test the effect of BCG on absenteeism and health of Danish health care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A single-blinded randomized controlled trial including 1,221 HCWs from nine Danish hospitals. Participants were randomized 1:1 to standard dose BCG or placebo. Primary outcome was days of unplanned absenteeism. Main secondary outcomes were incidence of COVID-19, all-cause hospitalization, and infectious disease episodes. Results There was no significant effect of BCG on unplanned absenteeism. Mean number of days absent per 1000 workdays was 20 in the BCG group and 17 in the placebo group (RR 1.23, 95% credibility interval: 0.98 to 1.53). BCG had no effect on incidence of COVID-19 or all-cause hospitalization overall. In secondary analyses BCG re-vaccination was associated with higher COVID-19 incidence (HR 2.47, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07 to 5.71), but also reduced risk of hospitalization (HR 0.28, CI: 0.09 to 0.86). The incidence of infectious disease episodes was similar between randomization groups (HR 1.09, CI: 0.96 to 1.24). Conclusions In this relatively healthy cohort of HCWs, there was no overall effect of BCG on any of the study outcomes.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-1899
,
1537-6613
DOI:
10.1093/infdis/jiad422
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1473843-0