Sevket Ozkaya

and 3 more

Objective: This article aimed to report the potential protective effect of BCG vaccine against COVID-19 by presenting the follow-up report of individuals who voluntarily receive BCG vaccination (BCG group). In this direction, preliminary data from BCG group regarding participants’ SARS-CoV-2 infection status, and the side effects with complications of BCG vaccination is reported. Method: A total of 84 health professionals and their relatives who voluntarily received BCG vaccine included in the study. Participants completed an online questionnaire that consists of 14 questions regarding their characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 infection status, and effects of BCG. Results: 63 participants were healthcare workers, and 21 participants were relatives of a healthcare worker. 81(96.4%) participants stated that they consider themselves in the high-risk group for getting infected with SARS-CoV-2. 69(82.1%) participants declared that they had been in the same environment and contacted with a COVID-19 patient. 82(97.6%) participants had at least one BCG scar from childhood. 21(25%) participants declared one complication after BCG vaccination. As a complication, 8(38.1%) participants had local non-permanent sterile abscess, and 13(61.9%) of them had weakness, joint pain, and subfebrile fever. 31(36.9%) participants had a PCR test for COVID-19 at least 4 weeks after BCG revaccination, and the results of all 31 participants were negative. 82(97.6%) participants declared that they felt more protected against COVID-19 after BCG vaccination. Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that it is beneficial to administer BCG vaccine to protect the high-risk group against COVID-19 with no side effects and risks.