‘Risky Lifestyle…': Health Ministry Clarifies No Links Between Covid Vaccines And Sudden Deaths
The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday clarified that there is no link between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden premature deaths among adults, citing various studies by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Covid vaccines and sudden death concerns about the link between the two have been a topic of public interest. However, evidence consistently shows that Covid vaccination does not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death.
'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 ministry said in a statement.
The health ministry noted that the studies have shown that the sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-Covid complications.
'Studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) affirm that COVID-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects. Sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications," the press release added.
The two studies, done by ICMR and NCDC, offer a more comprehensive understanding of sudden unexplained deaths in young adults in India.
As per the studies, it has been revealed that Covid-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk, whereas, the role of underlying health issues, genetic predisposition and risky lifestyle choices does play a role in unexplained sudden deaths.
Scientific experts have reiterated that statements linking Covid vaccination to sudden deaths are false and misleading, and are not supported by scientific consensus. Speculative claims without conclusive evidence risk undermining public confidence in vaccines, which have played a crucial role in saving millions of lives during the pandemic. Such unfounded reports and claims could strongly contribute to vaccine hesitancy in the country, thereby adversely impacting public health.
The government's response came after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently alleged that 'hasty approval and distribution" of the Covid vaccine to the public could also be a reason for the recent deaths due to heart attacks in Hassan.
At least 22 people, including five aged between 19 and 25, have died due to heart attacks in Hassan district over the last 40 days, officials familiar with the development said, adding that most of the deaths happened without any visible symptoms, with several collapsing at home or in public spaces.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah said, 'In the past month alone, in just one district of Hassan, more than twenty people have died due to heart attacks. The government is taking this matter very seriously…To identify the exact cause of these series of deaths and to find solutions, a committee of experts has been formed under the leadership of Dr Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, and they have been instructed to submit a study report within 10 days."
According to him, orders were given to the same committee back in February to conduct a thorough study on the reasons behind sudden deaths among young people in the state, and whether the COVID vaccines could have had any adverse effects. In this regard, the process of examining and analysing heart patients is also underway.
'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," he said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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