MMR vaccine could protect against the worst symptoms of COVID-19
COVID-19 has not had a big impact on children, and the researchers hypothesize that one reason children are protected against viral infections that induce sepsis is their more recent and more frequent exposures to live attenuated vaccines such as the Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccine that can also induce the trained suppressive MDSCs that limit inflammation and sepsis.
"Live attenuated vaccines seemingly have some nonspecific benefits as well as immunity to the target pathogen. A clinical trial with MMR in high-risk populations may provide a low-risk-high-reward preventive measure in saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic…While we are conducting the clinical trials, I don't think it's going to hurt anybody to have an MMR vaccine that would protect against the measles, mumps, and rubella with this potential added benefit of helping against COVID-19." - Dr. Paul Fidel, Jr., Department Chair, Oral and Craniofacial Biology, and Associate Dean for Research, Louisiana State University Health School of Dentistry
Recent events provide support for the researchers' hypothesis. For example, the milder symptoms seen in the 955 sailors on the U.S.S Roosevelt who tested positive for COVID-19 (only one hospitalization) may have been a consequence of the fact that the MMR vaccinations are given to all U.S. Navy recruits. In addition, epidemiological data suggest a correlation between people in geographical locations who routinely receive the MMR vaccine and reduced COVID-19 death rates.
Walgreens has the MMR vaccine, and probably CVS as well for about $106 and no prescription required. Can't hurt! And, it might be why many young people are not getting COVID. The MMR vaccine was not available when our generation were kids.