May 29, 2020

The Non-Specific and Sex-Differential Effects of Vaccines

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Vaccines and Immunity

• Aaby et al. review studies showing that live vaccines like BCG have non-specific effects including protection against respiratory and viral infections, and that females develop a greater antibody response to BCG. There is no conclusive evidence, however, that BCG vaccination provides non-specific protection against COVID-19, and social justice issues could arise from shifting BCG vaccine supplies from low– to high–income countries. 

Aaby et al. (May 27, 2020). The Non-Specific and Sex-Differential Effects of Vaccines. Nature Reviews Immunology. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-020-0338-x