‘No Covid Vaccine Link To Sudden Deaths; Risky Lifestyle A Factor’: Health Ministry
The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday decisively refuted any connection between COVID-19 vaccines and the recent rise in sudden premature deaths among adults. Citing conclusive studies by top medical bodies like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the government has stated that there is no direct link, instead pointing towards lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, and post-pandemic health issues as potential causes.
In a formal statement, the ministry sought to quell public anxiety, asserting, “The matter of sudden unexplained deaths has been investigated through several agencies in the country. These studies have conclusively established that there is no direct link between COVID 19 vaccination and the reports of sudden deaths in the country.”
The clarification follows growing concerns, notably highlighted by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, after an alarming number of heart attack fatalities in his state.
The government emphasized that the comprehensive studies affirm the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines administered in India, with serious side effects being “extremely rare.” The research suggests that factors such as genetics, risky lifestyle choices, pre-existing health conditions, and complications arising after a COVID-19 infection play a significant role in these unfortunate incidents.
“Scientific experts have reiterated that statements linking Covid vaccination to sudden deaths are false and misleading, and are not supported by scientific consensus,” the ministry warned, cautioning that such claims could fuel vaccine hesitancy and negatively impact public health achievements.
The government’s response was prompted by recent events in Karnataka’s Hassan district, where at least 22 people, some as young as 19, died from heart attacks in the last 40 days. Many of these deaths occurred suddenly, with individuals collapsing without prior symptoms.
Reacting to the situation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had suggested that the “hasty approval and distribution” of COVID-19 vaccines could be a contributing factor. He announced the formation of an expert committee led by Dr. Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, to investigate the exact cause of these deaths and submit a report within ten days.
“We too value the lives of children, youth, and innocent people who have their entire lives ahead of them, and we share the concerns of their families,” Siddaramaiah stated, confirming that the committee had been tasked back in February to study if there were any adverse effects from the vaccines.
