Old tuberculosis vaccine put to test against COVID-19 – but trial never got off the ground

NCT ID NCT04362124

Terminated Prevention Sponsor: Universidad de Antioquia Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study aimed to see if the BCG vaccine, originally for tuberculosis, could reduce the severity of COVID-19 in healthcare workers in Medellín, Colombia. It planned to give a single dose of BCG or a placebo to 0 participants (doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants) who were directly caring for COVID-19 patients. However, the trial was withdrawn before enrolling anyone, so no results were obtained.

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 (tuberculosis vaccine)
What this could lead to: If it had worked, this could have pointed toward a way to protect healthcare workers from severe COVID-19 using an existing, cheap vaccine.
What could go wrong: The trial was withdrawn before it started, so no results are available. Even if it had run, BCG's effect on COVID-19 was uncertain and early studies showed mixed outcomes.

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.

Coronavinae infectious disease COVID-19 prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COVID-19

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Program for Research and Control in Tropical Diseases - PECET

Medellín, Antioquia, 0004, Colombia

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