Tuesday, April 21, 2020, 4:18 PM
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UTRECHT –
UMC Utrecht and Radboudumc are investigating whether a drug against tuberculosis can also be used against the coronavirus.
Healthcare workers have already received the so-called BCG vaccine, now it is the turn of the over-60s. Today, the vacant Jaarbeurs has begun vaccinating the elderly. Test subjects enter the hall with their cars and receive a vaccination without leaving their vehicle. Then they drive out again.
Previous research has shown that the BCG vaccine not only provides protection against tuberculosis, but can also increase defenses against some other pathogens. The researchers, who wear mouth masks and gloves as a precaution, are now looking into whether the drug can also reduce the risk of infection with the coronavirus or reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Over the next ten days, 1,600 elderly people can receive the drug in the ‘vaccine street’ at the Jaarbeurs. The researchers expect to have the results within six months.
Corona research: by car through the vaccine street in the Jaarbeurs–
