According to the ministry, sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-Covid complications.
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Synopsis: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that extensive studies conducted by the ICMR and AIIMS New Delhi have conclusively established no linkage between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths among adults.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday, 2 July, that extensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have conclusively established no linkage between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths among adults.
The comprehensive investigation into sudden and unexplained deaths has been carried out through several agencies across the country.
Studies by ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) affirm that Covid-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects.
According to the ministry, sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-Covid complications.
ICMR and NCDC collaborated to understand the causes behind sudden and unexplained deaths, particularly in young adults between 18 and 45 years of age.
Two complementary studies were undertaken using different research approaches — one based on past data and another involving real-time investigation.
First study
The first study, conducted by ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), was titled Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India – A multicentric matched case-control study.
Study details:
Duration: May to August 2023
Scope: 47 tertiary care hospitals across 19 states and Union Territories
Focus: Individuals who appeared healthy but died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023
The findings conclusively showed that Covid-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death in young adults.
Risk factors identified
The study identified several key risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of unexplained sudden death:
Current smoking status
Frequent alcohol use
Recent binge drinking
Recreational drug or substance use
Engaging in vigorous-intensity physical activity shortly before death
Second study
The second study, titled Establishing the cause in sudden unexplained deaths in young, is currently being conducted by AIIMS New Delhi with funding and collaboration from ICMR. This prospective study aims to determine common causes of sudden deaths in young adults.
Early findings:
The ministry said that these studies provide clear evidence that Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The results underscore the importance of addressing underlying health conditions, genetic predispositions, and risky lifestyle choices in efforts to prevent unexplained sudden deaths among young adults.
Scientific experts have reiterated that statements linking Covid vaccination to sudden deaths are false and misleading and are not supported by scientific consensus. The ministry warned that speculative claims without conclusive evidence risk undermining public confidence in vaccines, which have played a crucial role in saving millions of lives during the pandemic.
MoHFW stated that unfounded reports and claims could strongly contribute to vaccine hesitancy in the country, thereby adversely impacting public health. It said the Government of India remains committed to evidence-based public health research to protect the well-being of its citizens.
The comprehensive research confirms that Covid-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk of sudden death, whereas underlying health issues, genetic predisposition, and risky lifestyle choices do play a role in unexplained sudden deaths among young adults.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
