ICMR, AIIMS Debunk Vaccine Myths; Lifestyle, Genes Behind Sudden Cardiac Deaths
Are COVID-19 vaccines causing sudden heart-related deaths in young Indians? This question has been circulating widely across media and social platforms, especially after Karnataka saw a spate of unexplained fatalities among youth. But now, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and AIIMS have provided science-backed clarity. According to their extensive multi-city studies, there is no causal link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden cardiac deaths. Instead, genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and undiagnosed heart issues are emerging as key contributors.
ICMR and AIIMS Confirm: COVID Vaccines Are Safe for Young Adults
To address public concern and misinformation, ICMR, along with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), conducted a matched case-control study across 19 Indian states. The focus was on apparently healthy adults aged 18–45 who died suddenly between October 2021 and March 2023. The findings? There was no evidence that COVID vaccines triggered cardiac or unexplained sudden deaths.
➡️ Extensive studies by #ICMR and #AIIMS on sudden deaths among adults post #COVID have conclusively established no linkage between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths
— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 2, 2025
➡️ Lifestyle and Pre-Existing Conditions identified as key factors
➡️ The ICMR and NCDC have been working…
Simultaneously, AIIMS Delhi, in collaboration with ICMR, launched a prospective study titled “Establishing the Cause in Sudden Unexplained Deaths in Young.” Preliminary insights show that myocardial infarctions (heart attacks)—caused by blockages or inherited heart diseases—are far more likely causes than vaccine-related effects.
These studies came in response to speculation sparked by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who hinted at a possible vaccine link in Hassan district deaths. However, the Union Health Ministry firmly debunked this claim and reiterated that vaccines are safe and crucial for public health.
The government also pointed out that while post-COVID health complications and sedentary lifestyles have contributed to cardiac risks, these cannot be confused with vaccination effects. Moreover, serious adverse events post-vaccine remain extremely rare.
Health experts warn that spreading false vaccine-related fears can lead to vaccine hesitancy, which threatens the success of national immunization drives. The ministry has appealed to citizens and media platforms to rely on verified scientific data rather than speculation or anecdotal claims.
