No link between Covid vaccines and sudden adult deaths, confirms government study

Comprehensive national studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and AIIMS have found no evidence linking Covid-19 vaccines to sudden premature deaths among adults. The findings, released by the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday, emphasize that lifestyle factors and pre-existing medical conditions are the primary contributors to these fatalities.

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The clarification comes in response to recent remarks by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who suggested a possible link between Covid vaccines and a rise in cardiac-related deaths in the state. Addressing these concerns, the Health Ministry stated there is no scientific basis to connect the vaccines to heart attacks in young adults.

The multi-centre study, titled “Factors Associated with Unexplained Sudden Deaths Among Adults Aged 18–45 Years in India”, was conducted from May to August 2023. The research spanned 47 tertiary hospitals across 19 states and Union Territories and focused on deaths in the 18–45 age group — particularly those that were sudden and unexplained.

Researchers from ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) collaborated to investigate the root causes. Their analysis pointed toward factors such as smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, and undiagnosed heart conditions as major contributors.

Health officials have reiterated that vaccines remain safe and effective, urging citizens not to be swayed by misinformation and to prioritize routine health screenings.