Measles, TB ,Polio Vaccines Might Fight COVID-19

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 As the world waits for a COVID-19 vaccine, scientists are testing whether shots already in use for other diseases might provide some protection from the worst impacts of the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Vaccines containing living but weakened organisms, including those against tuberculosis, polio and measles, may provide a boost to the immune system that would help fight the coronavirus. 

While they probably wouldn't provide protection as good as a purpose-built vaccine, research has already shown that these immunizations help ward off diseases other than the ones for which they were designed. 

Plus, these shots have a proven safety record stretching back decades. 

"And not only that, it's something we can put out almost immediately," said Jeffrey Cirillo, director of the Texas A&M University Center for Airborne Pathogen Research and Imaging.

The manufacturing facilities are already up and running, delivering hundreds of millions of doses every year, he noted.

Vaccine bonus

Cirillo and his colleagues are testing whether a vaccine called BCG can help protect health workers and first responders from COVID-19.