No Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines And Sudden Deaths In Young Adults: AIIMS

New Delhi, Dec 14: A comprehensive, year-long autopsy-based study conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi has found no scientific evidence establishing any link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden deaths among young adults, reaffirming the safety of the vaccines.

The study, titled “Burden of Sudden Death in Young Adults: A One-Year Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Centre in India”, has been published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the flagship journal of the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Researchers analysed sudden death cases involving individuals aged 18 to 45 years using a combination of verbal autopsy, post-mortem imaging, conventional autopsy and detailed histopathological examination. The findings showed no statistically significant association between vaccination status and sudden deaths in the young population.

According to the study, most deaths were attributed to established medical causes, with cardiovascular diseases emerging as the leading factor. Respiratory illnesses and other non-cardiac causes were also identified in a number of cases.

The researchers further observed that both prior COVID-19 infection and vaccination status were comparable across different age groups, reinforcing the absence of any causal link between vaccination and sudden deaths. The findings, they said, are consistent with global scientific evidence supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr Sudheer Arava, Professor at AIIMS, New Delhi, said the study assumes significance amid the circulation of misleading claims and unverified reports suggesting a connection between vaccines and sudden deaths. He emphasised that the data clearly does not support such assertions and underscored the importance of evidence-based research in shaping public understanding.

Health experts noted that sudden deaths among young individuals, though distressing, are often linked to underlying and sometimes undiagnosed conditions, particularly heart-related ailments. They stressed the need for early health screening, healthy lifestyles and timely medical intervention.

Dr Arava also urged the public to rely on credible scientific sources and avoid misinformation that could erode confidence in proven public health measures, including vaccination. (Agencies)