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Scientists say the MMR vaccine used to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella could protect against the coronavirus.
Experts from the University of Cambridge say that the MMR jab, which is generally administered to all nine-month-old babies, could be the reason why children are not so severely affected by Covid-19.
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They have discovered that the key proteins in the measles, mumps, and rubella viruses have some unexpected similarity to certain proteins in the virus that causes Covid-19, known as SARS-CoV-2.
Its revelation comes as trials begin to see whether BCG injection, given to many Britons to prevent tuberculosis, can also protect against the coronavirus.
The Cambridge scientists made their suggestion about the MMR jab after analyzing the structure of MMR viruses.
They found that the SARS-CoV-2 “spike protein” is 20 percent comparable to measles “fusion protein”.
Structural similarities
It is not known if this is close enough to generate a cross-reaction immune response, but this is likely to be the focus of future research.
Writing in the study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, the researchers said: “We hypothesized that MMR could protect against a poor outcome in Covid-19 infection.
“Therefore, we propose that vaccination of age groups at risk with an MMR vaccine deserves further consideration as a safe and appropriate intervention over time.”
The scientists reiterated that detailed studies in large human populations are needed to determine if the MMR vaccine can reduce the severity of Covid-19.
MMR is a safe and effective combination vaccine that is normally used to protect against three separate diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella, in a single injection.
Drop in absorption
The full course of the MMR vaccine requires two doses, and is administered at one year of age, and at around three years and four months.
Here, 95 percent of five-year-olds have had the first hit, the goal of the World Health Organization (WHO), but only 87.4 percent have had the second.
Earlier this month, experts revealed that this drop in absorption has put the UK at risk of a measles epidemic during the coronavirus outbreak.
Unicef has estimated that 117 million young people in 37 countries may not be vaccinated, as Covid-19 forces social distancing and accumulates pressure on health services.
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In addition to this, many young adults born in the late 1990s and early 2000s missed the MMR vaccine as children.
This is because in 1998 British doctor Andrew Wakefield made headlines around the world claiming that there was a link between the MMR vaccine and autism.
Their findings, published in the medical journal The Lancet, are believed to have generated widespread concerns among parents who prick their children.
The Lancet retracted the story in 2010 after Wakefield’s article was found “dishonest” by the General Medical Council.
He was later shocked before the story was declared fraudulent by the British Medical Journal in 2011.
Could protect millions
115 impressive vaccine candidates are currently being investigated to see if they will work as an effective coronavirus vaccine.
One vaccine being tested is the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which was developed a century ago to increase immunity to tuberculosis, a bacterial lung infection.
The researchers believe the vaccine could protect millions against the Covid-19 killer and are ready to implement tests in four countries.
As part of a six-month trial, some 4,000 healthcare workers in hospitals across Australia will receive the BCG vaccine, Bloomberg reported.
Researchers from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne said: “Although it was originally developed against tuberculosis, and is still administered to more than 130 million babies annually for that purpose, BCG also increases human immunity on the front line, training it to respond to germs more intensely. “
Participants will enroll in the trial within weeks of expedited approval by health authorities.
If successful, it could mean that the vaccine, which costs as little as £ 30 per dose, could provide a cheap and easily available method of avoiding the coronavirus.
Lead researcher Nigel Curtis, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Melbourne and head of the infectious diseases unit at the city’s Royal Children’s Hospital, said: “The clock is definitely ticking.”
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Some participating workers will be vaccinated against seasonal influenza and tuberculosis, while others will receive the flu vaccine just to establish a baseline for comparison.
The researchers will take blood samples at the beginning and end of the trial to determine who contracted the coronavirus, and the participants will record any symptoms.
Midway through the trial, analysts will review the results for any indication that the TB vaccine is effective.
In Africa, studies on babies revealed that the BCG vaccine protects against tuberculosis and other pediatric infections, improving the body’s innate immune system and specifically the response of white blood cells.
Professor Curtis said: “It can stimulate the immune system to better defend against a whole range of different infections, a full range of different viruses and bacteria in a much more generalized way.”
It was also reported that a British trial is planned at the University of Exeter in Devon.
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He added: “We need to think of all the possible ways that we can protect health workers.
“And there will be a particular need to reduce the amount of time that our healthcare workers are absent.”
It is hoped that if the trials show a strong enough effect, the jab could be available to the public in a matter of months.
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