Does BCG Or MMR Or Routine Vaccination Coverage Protect Against COVID Infection And Mortality In India?

ABSTRACT

Background: The routine vaccinations and acquired immunity by other viral infections were believed to be acting as a protective factor against severe COVID-19 outbreaks in some countries. Objective: This study is overviewing the relationship of routine BCG, MMR vaccinations and reported MMR disease outbreak with reported COVID-19 infection across the Indian states. Methods: The data on vaccination coverage and respiratory disease infection was obtained from Univer-sal immunization program and Integrated disease surveillance project reports. Spearman rank correla-tion has been used to assess the relationship of routine vaccination and COVID-19 infection. Results: The result did not find any relationship of routine vaccination with BCG and MMR or exposure to MMR infection on COVID-19 infections in India. Conclusion: The exposure to BCG or MMR vaccination did not have a non-specific protection against COVID-19 infection. The results imply that a larger proportion of the Indian population is still vulnerable to COVID-19 infection.