Greece to Begin Vaccinating Population with Tuberculosis Medication for COVID-19 Prevention

Greece will start vaccinating its population against COVID-19 using a tuberculosis medication from June 1. This information has been reported by Greek media.

The use of the BCG vaccine has been approved by the country's National Organization for Medicines.

The vaccination will take place at the University Hospital of Attica in Athens. According to iz.ru, similar programs are also operating in Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.

The effectiveness of the medication has been demonstrated over nearly three years of ongoing research. Scientists have found that individuals who received the BCG vaccination are 80% more protected against respiratory viruses.

“When there is no specific vaccine, immunity can be developed and maintained with the help of these vaccines,” stated Professor Evangelos Yamarelos, head of the Department of Pathology and Infections at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Currently, more than 100 COVID-19 vaccines are being developed worldwide, with 10 undergoing clinical trials in the USA, China, the UK, and Germany.