COVID vaccine not responsible for premature deaths in adults: Govt cites ICMR data

COVID vaccine and sudden death concerns about the link between COVID vaccines and sudden deaths have been a topic of public interest. However, evidence consistently shows that COVID vaccination does not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death. Instead, vaccines have been proven to reduce severe outcomes from COVID-19, including hospitalizations and deaths, by strengthening the immune system. Health experts emphasize that vaccines undergo rigorous safety evaluations before approval. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda recently reaffirmed in the Rajya Sabha that COVID vaccination lowered the odds of sudden death among young adults.

Covid vaccination did not raise the risk of unexplained sudden deaths among young adults in India; instead, it reduced their likelihood, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Citing a study conducted by the ICMR that found that COVID vaccination did not cause deaths among young adults in the country, the minister said the cases were apparently healthy individuals without any known co-morbidity, who suddenly (less than 24 hours of hospitalisation or seen apparently healthy 24 hours before death) died of unexplained causes between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2023.


ICMR conducted the study in August last year. The study titled 'Factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India' -- a 'multicentric matched case-control study' -- at 47 tertiary care hospitals in 19 states and Union Territories.

A total of 729 sudden death cases and 2,916 controls were included in the analysis.

What were the reasons for the sudden death?

Past Covid hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, binge drinking 48 hours before death/interview, use of recreational drug/substance and performing vigorous-intensity physical activity 48 hours before death/interview increased the odds of sudden death, the Union health minister said.

"Hence, the study observed that COVID-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in India. Past COVID-19 hospitalization, family history of sudden death and certain lifestyle behaviours increased the likelihood of unexplained sudden death," the minister said.