Covid Vaccine Not Linked to Sudden Deaths: ICMR

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th July: In a peer-reviewed study, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that Covid-19 vaccination is not responsible for the sudden and unexplained deaths observed among young and apparently healthy adults in India. The study attributes such deaths primarily to prior Covid-related hospitalisation, genetic predisposition, and certain lifestyle behaviours.

Published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the study assessed factors contributing to unexplained sudden deaths in individuals aged 18–45 years. It was conducted across 47 tertiary care hospitals in India during 2023, following widespread concerns and anecdotal reports linking such deaths to Covid-19 or its vaccines.

Key Findings:

• Vaccination reduces risk: Individuals who had received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine were found to have a lower risk of sudden death. Those with two doses had even lower odds.

• Higher risk factors include:

  • Past Covid-19 hospitalisation

  • Family history of sudden death

  • Binge drinking within 48 hours before death

  • Recreational drug or substance use

  • Vigorous physical activity in the two days leading to death

The study used a multicentric matched case-control model and examined 729 cases of sudden deaths and 2,916 controls, matched by age, gender, and neighbourhood. All participants were seemingly healthy individuals without known comorbidities. The cases were people who died unexpectedly between October 2021 and March 2023, having appeared healthy in the 24 hours preceding their deaths.

Researchers collected detailed information through interviews and record reviews, focusing on vaccination status, Covid-19 infection history, post-Covid conditions, substance use, physical activity levels, and other health behaviours.

“Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults. On the contrary, being vaccinated was associated with a reduced risk,” the report stated.

In contrast, the combination of medical history and certain lifestyle choices showed a strong correlation with sudden fatalities.

Public Health Implication:

This study provides scientific reassurance against the misinformation linking vaccines to sudden deaths. It also underscores the need for increased awareness around lifestyle-induced health risks and the importance of monitoring individuals with a genetic predisposition to heart or sudden death conditions.