The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified that there is no direct connection between COVID-19 vaccinations and the reports of sudden deaths in the country. This conclusion comes after in-depth investigations led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
According to a press release from the ministry, various national agencies were involved in examining sudden and unexplained deaths particularly among young adults aged 18 to 45. Two major studies were conducted using complementary approaches to shed light on the issue.
The first study, led by ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and titled “Factors Associated with Unexplained Deaths: A Multicentric Matched Case-Control Study,” was conducted between May and August 2023. It analyzed cases from 47 tertiary care hospitals across 19 states and Union Territories, focusing on seemingly healthy individuals who died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023. The study found no increase in risk of sudden death linked to COVID-19 vaccination.
The second study, “Establishing the Cause in Sudden Unexplained Deaths in Young,” is an ongoing prospective investigation by AIIMS Delhi in collaboration with ICMR. Preliminary findings indicate that heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) remain the leading cause of sudden death in this age group. Notably, the pattern of causes has not significantly changed from previous years. In many cases, genetic mutations were detected, suggesting a biological predisposition to such events. The final results will be published upon the study’s completion.
Both studies together reinforce the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines used in India, with serious side effects being extremely rare. They highlight that sudden deaths are more likely linked to genetic factors, pre-existing health conditions, lifestyle choices, or post-COVID complications, rather than vaccination.
Health experts have cautioned against spreading unverified or misleading claims suggesting a link between vaccines and sudden deaths. They emphasize that such claims are not supported by scientific evidence and can fuel vaccine hesitancy, which poses a serious threat to public health.
The Ministry reiterated that the Government of India remains committed to evidence-based research and public health policies, aiming to protect and improve the health of all citizens.
