The Union Health Ministry has firmly dismissed claims linking COVID-19 vaccinations to sudden and unexplained deaths among young adults in India, citing comprehensive studies by leading national medical institutions.
Investigations conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have identified pre-existing medical conditions, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle factors as the primary contributors to such deaths. The ministry released a detailed statement on Wednesday, clarifying that the vaccines administered during the pandemic do not pose an increased risk of sudden fatalities.
Over recent months, social media has seen a rise in speculation suggesting a connection between COVID-19 vaccines and unexpected deaths in young individuals, particularly those between 18 and 45 years old. In response, national research bodies initiated scientific studies to explore these claims thoroughly and provide evidence-based insights.
“These findings offer a clearer picture of sudden, unexplained deaths among young adults in India and reaffirm that COVID-19 vaccination is not a contributing factor,” the health ministry said. “Rather, lifestyle choices, hereditary risks, and existing health conditions are the more likely causes.”
The ministry strongly warned against spreading unverified claims, stating that misinformation can erode public trust in vaccines, which played a critical role in reducing the impact of the pandemic and saving millions of lives worldwide.
Two Key Studies Back Vaccine Safety
The ICMR-led National Institute of Epidemiology conducted a study between May and August 2023, covering 47 tertiary care hospitals across 19 states and Union Territories. This research examined individuals who appeared healthy but experienced sudden deaths between October 2021 and March 2023.
The data conclusively showed no link between COVID-19 vaccines and the deaths in question. A second, ongoing study by AIIMS New Delhi—carried out in collaboration with ICMR—aims to pinpoint the leading causes of such incidents. Preliminary findings indicate that myocardial infarction (heart attacks) remains the most common cause of sudden deaths in the studied age group.
Moreover, the analysis shows no significant shift in cause-of-death patterns compared to previous years, further suggesting that vaccines are not a factor. In some instances, genetic mutations have been flagged as potential contributors.
Expert Reactions
Medical experts continue to support the government’s findings. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of the Indian Medical Association’s Cochin chapter, emphasized that while sudden deaths in young adults are rare, they can arise from a variety of medical conditions.
“Some individuals may have hidden electrical or muscular heart issues that manifest suddenly without any warning,” Dr Jayadevan said. “Such cases can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac arrest. Other causes include strokes, overdoses, pulmonary embolisms, or severe infections.”
He also addressed the public confusion surrounding rare post-vaccine conditions such as VITT (vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia), clarifying that it is exceptionally rare—occurring in only 1 in 50,000 to 100,000 doses—and typically within weeks of receiving an adenovirus-based vaccine like Covishield. “VITT is not a long-term effect and is seldom fatal,” he added.
Low COVID-19 Caseload and Continued Surveillance
Meanwhile, the country’s COVID-19 situation remains under control. As of Tuesday, India reported only 1,691 active cases, with two deaths recorded in the past 24 hours. The recent infections are largely attributed to Omicron sub-variants NB.1.8.1 and LF.7.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, evidence-based research to protect public health and counter misinformation. Covishield (developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca) and Covaxin (developed by Bharat Biotech) were the primary vaccines used in India’s pandemic response.
The health ministry reiterated that India’s vaccination programme remains safe and continues to be a cornerstone of its public health strategy.
