Simple vaccine timing could save thousands of newborns

NCT ID NCT04658680

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether giving the BCG vaccine (normally given for tuberculosis) at the very first health visit after birth can lower the chance of death in the first 42 days of life. Over 22,000 infants in rural Guinea-Bissau are taking part. Some health centers will offer BCG every day, while others stick to the usual weekly schedule. The goal is to see if earlier vaccination reduces deaths by 25%.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
BCG vaccine (live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis)
What this could lead to
If it works, this simple change in vaccine timing could prevent many infant deaths in high-risk areas.
What could go wrong
This is a single trial in rural Guinea-Bissau; results may not apply elsewhere. The 25% reduction is a hypothesis, not guaranteed.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Infant Death

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Bandim Health Project

    Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.