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India’s Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified that COVID‑19 vaccines are not responsible for sudden deaths, following scrutiny triggered by statements from Karnataka’s Chief Minister. National health agencies have completed extensive research and found no causal connection between COVID‑19 vaccination and unexplained deaths.
Rigorous Multi‑Centre Investigation
According to the Mathrubhumi English Studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) examined sudden, unexplained deaths among seemingly healthy adults aged 18–45. A retrospective multicentric case-control investigation reviewed data from 47 tertiary hospitals across 19 states and Union Territories, covering fatalities from October 2021 to March 2023. This study found no elevated risk of sudden death post-vaccination.
A concurrent prospective study by AIIMS—titled “Establishing the Cause of Sudden Unexplained Deaths in the Young”—is tracking cases in real time. Early findings indicate that myocardial infarction and underlying genetic or health conditions continue to be primary causes of sudden death, mirroring pre-pandemic patterns.
Why This Clarification Matters
The announcement follows Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s recent remarks that hastily approved COVID vaccines might be linked to heart-related deaths in Hassan district. The Health Ministry emphasized that such speculative claims “lack scientific support” and risk fueling vaccine hesitancy, which could undermine public health initiatives.
Expert Consensus and Broader Evidence
Health experts stress that sudden deaths can stem from a variety of factors—like genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and undetected heart issues—not vaccination. A separate CDC study in the United States similarly found no evidence that COVID‑19 vaccines cause sudden cardiac deaths among young adults. Globally, extreme adverse events such as myocarditis and rare forms of thrombosis have been documented, but their incidence is extremely low and they are overall outweighed by the benefits of vaccination.
Continuing Public Health VigilanceThe Health Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to evidence-based research, maintaining rigorous safety surveillance. While COVID-19 vaccines remain integral to pandemic preparedness, the Ministry continues to monitor adverse events and address public concerns transparently.
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