Incidence and Severity of COVID-19 with the use of the MMR Vaccine before or after the COVID-19 Vaccine

ABSTRACT Introduction The MMR vaccine has been shown by several studies over the years to have a potent effect on heterologous immunity. The reduction in mortality and respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in childhood has been consolidated with recent studies demonstrating a better evolution of COVID-19 with the use of this vaccine. Stimulation of innate immunity by the MMR vaccine can be very useful, both used alone or in association with other vaccines, especially those for COVID-19. Objectives To evaluate the decrease in the incidence of infection or severity of COVID-19 with the use of the MMR vaccine before and after the use of specific vaccines against COVID-19. Methods This extension analysis followed 120 volunteer healthcare professionals aged 18 to 60 who received the MMR vaccine before the specific COVID-19 vaccine and 73 volunteers who used the MMR vaccine after the COVID-19 vaccine. Visits to the Research Center were carried out at an average interval of 4 weeks for 12 weeks. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was performed using the RT-PCR technique for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Results The most used vaccine against COVID-19 was Coronavac in 59.1%. A total of 44 cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed (20% of the sample), the vast majority of which were mild cases (70.5%). There was no difference in the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in health professionals who used the MMR vaccine before or after the specific vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Coronavirus or AstraZeneca). Conclusion The incidence and severity of COVID-19 does not differ with the use of the MMR vaccine before or after the specific vaccine against COVID-19.