New Delhi: A comprehensive study jointly conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and AIIMS, New Delhi, has conclusively found no evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to sudden deaths in adults, especially among the 18–45 age group.
Union Health Minister, citing findings from both ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), reaffirmed that COVID-19 vaccines used in India are safe and effective, with serious side effects being extremely rare.
The Ministry emphasised that sudden cardiac deaths in young adults are more likely the result of genetic predisposition, pre-existing conditions, lifestyle factors, and possible post-COVID complications, rather than vaccination.
According to the reports, two parallel studies were undertaken using different research methodologies—one based on retrospective data, and another involving real-time investigation.
The first study has already confirmed that there is no increased risk of sudden unexplained deaths due to vaccination.
The second study, being conducted by AIIMS, is ongoing, with early results indicating that myocardial infarction (heart attack) remains the leading cause of sudden deaths in this demographic.
Health experts have cautioned against false and misleading claims that link COVID-19 vaccines to sudden fatalities, asserting that such assertions lack any scientific backing and may hinder public health efforts.
The studies provide a much-needed scientific perspective in the wake of widespread misinformation and aim to reassure the public about vaccine safety.
