No proof of Covid-19 vaccine causing sudden deaths among young Indians: ICMR-AIIMS studies
Extensive Studies by AIIMS and ICMR have shown that Covid 19 vaccine has not increased the risk of sudden heart attacks in young Indians
By Anoushka Caroline Williams
No proof of Covid-19 vaccine causing sudden deaths among young Indians: ICMR-AIIMS studies
Hyderabad: Two extensive studies led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have found no evidence linking Covid-19 vaccination to sudden unexplained deaths among young adults in India.
The investigations underline lifestyle choices, genetic predisposition and pre-existing health conditions as the primary contributing factors.
Studies address public concerns
In response to rising public concern around sudden cardiac deaths, particularly among adults aged 18-45 years, the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) initiated two major studies to identify potential causes.
The first study, conducted by the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) under ICMR, was a multi-centric matched case-control study titled āFactors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India.ā
The study, conducted between May and August 2023, examined data from 47 tertiary care hospitals across 19 States and Union Territories.
According to the report, the individuals studied were those who appeared healthy and died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023. The data analysis concluded that there was no increase in the risk of unexplained sudden deaths among those who had received Covid-19 vaccinations.
AIIMS prospective study supports findings
Complementing the retrospective study, AIIMS New Delhi is currently conducting a prospective study titled āEstablishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young,ā in collaboration with and funded by ICMR.
Preliminary findings from the AIIMS study suggest that heart attacks (myocardial infarction) continue to be the leading cause of sudden deaths among young adults. Furthermore, no significant shift in the cause-of-death patterns has been detected when compared to pre-pandemic years.
Importantly, early genetic analysis has identified mutations as possible contributing factors in several cases of unexplained deaths. These findings further diminish the likelihood of vaccines being a trigger.
No evidence of vaccine link, say health authorities
Health authorities have stated firmly that there is no scientific basis to claims linking Covid-19 vaccines with sudden deaths.
āCovid-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects,ā stated a senior scientist associated with the ICMR-led studies.
Public health messaging and continued surveillance
The studies also emphasise the importance of addressing lifestyle-related risks, including lack of physical activity, smoking, poor dietary habits and unmanaged chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which were identified as strong risk factors for sudden deaths.
Public health experts warn that misinformation surrounding vaccines could lead to vaccine hesitancy, hampering the progress India has made in its immunisation efforts.
Government reaffirms commitment to science-based policy
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reiterated its commitment to transparent, science-based public health policy. It stated that investigations into sudden deaths were being approached with seriousness and scientific rigour, with continued research underway.
The government remains focused on public health education and ensuring that vaccination efforts are guided by evidence, not fear. Final results from the AIIMS-led prospective study are expected to be released later this year.
