The mystery behind Childhood sparing by COVID-19

Abstract

In December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus firstly emerged in Wuhan, China and then spread rapidly worldwide to be declared as a pandemic by WHO in March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 virus, showed preferential age groups selection, age and in contrary with the infected adults, most infected children seemed to have a milder clinical course. Also, asymptomatic infections were not uncommon. We suppose that the global routine immunization of children could play a role in protection of the pediatric age form the devastating effect of SARS-CoV-2. MMR, BCG, PPD, and Candida vaccines are already used as treatment options enhancing the ability of the immune system to recognize certain viral antigen. Overall, we suggest that the bystander immunity induced after vaccination of children from 1-8 years old can stimulate the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, we recommend assessing the use of one or combined vaccination of MMR, BCG, PPD, and Candida to either protect the high-risk groups or to treat the emerging pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 virus and the associated serious complication of COVID-19.