Old polio vaccine may offer new shield against COVID-19
NCT ID NCT04445428
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether giving the oral polio vaccine (OPV) to adults over 50 in Guinea-Bissau could reduce their risk of getting sick or dying from COVID-19 and other infections. Researchers enrolled about 3,700 people and gave half the vaccine plus COVID-19 advice, while the other half got advice only. The idea is that live vaccines like OPV can boost the immune system broadly, not just against polio.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- oral polio vaccine (OPV)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a cheap, widely available vaccine that offers some protection against COVID-19 and other infections.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed Phase 4 trial in one African country, so results may not apply elsewhere. OPV is not a specific COVID-19 vaccine and may not provide strong or lasting protection.
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.
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
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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