... will be given a vaccine in trial that could stop the spread of COVID-19

• Researchers will dust off the 1980s tuberculosis vaccine to fight off coronavirus 
• 4,000 Australian GPs will receive the vaccine to counter symptoms of COVID-19 
• It's hoped the vaccine will bolster the medical professionals' immune systems
• Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

In an effort to protect frontline health workers from coronavirus, researchers are turning to a vaccine unused in Australia since the 1980s.

Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne will join a global trial using the tuberculosis vaccine to counter the symptoms of coronavirus.

The six-month trial will involve 4000 healthcare workers in Australia, lead researcher Nigel Curtis told reporters on Thursday.

Half of the workers will not be given the vaccine with researchers hoping to get some sign of its effectiveness in three months.