Common vaccine could slash newborn deaths in major trial

This large study in Guinea-Bissau is testing if making the BCG vaccine available daily at health clinics, instead of just once a week, can save babies' lives. The BCG vaccine is normally given to prevent tuberculosis, but research suggests it may also help infants fight off other serious infections. The trial will follow over 22,000 newborns for their first six weeks to see if easier, earlier access to the vaccine reduces deaths from causes other than accidents by 25%.