ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) Scientist and Director on Wednesday said that their study indicated that COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with sudden deaths.
COVID-19 vaccination offered protection against sudden deaths
Dr Manoj V Murhekar, Scientist and Director, ICMR-NIE said “One important message I would like to give is that our study indicated that COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with sudden deaths. We did a very large study in 2023 to find whether COVID-19 vaccination is associated with sudden deaths. About 800 patients of sudden deaths were included, about 3000 controls were included in the study. The findings of our study indicated that COVID-19 vaccination is not associated with sudden deaths. On the contrary, what we found was that COVID-19 vaccination offered protection against sudden deaths. So, people who received COVID-19 vaccine had a lower risk of dying suddenly. We also identified other risk factors that were associated with sudden deaths, that included patients who had severe COVID in the past, those who required hospitalisation because of COVID, those who underwent unaccustomed exercise 48 hours prior to their death. Similarly, those who are binge drinkers and also those who had family history of sudden deaths…So, one important message I would like to give is that our study indicated that COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with sudden deaths.”
‘ICMR study was conducted 1.5 years back’
On Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah linking heart-related deaths in Hassan to Covid vaccine, Murhekar said, “I heard about that news yesterday. About 20-odd sudden deaths in one district in period of about 2 months. I also understand that the Government of Karnataka has constituted a high-level committee of experts, including cardiologists and I think they would investigate the matter and they would find out what were the reasons for sudden deaths. I think, let us wait. He has also mentioned that this committee will give its report in 10-day time. So, let us wait till the report of the committee comes. But the ICMR study which was conducted 1.5 years back, COVID-19 vaccination was not found to be associated with sudden deaths.”
Siddharamaiah posted on X, “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.
Orders were given to this 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 any adverse effects. In this regard, the process of examining and analyzing 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. I condemn the actions of BJP leaders who are using such matters for their political gains. It cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid vaccine to the public could also be a reason for these deaths, as several studies worldwide have recently indicated that COVID vaccines could be a cause for the increasing number of heart attacks. Before BJP criticize us on this matter, they should ask their conscience.
We are fully committed to finding the true cause behind these sudden series of deaths happening in Hassan district and across the state and to preventing them. With this goal, we have already implemented schemes like Hridaya Jyothi and Gruha Arogya to monitor public health. Based on the report from the expert committee under Dr. Ravindranath’s guidance, necessary actions will also be taken.
As a government, we are making every possible effort to protect the health of the people. I urge everyone to visit the nearest health center immediately for a check-up if you have symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. Do not ignore these signs.”
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…
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 1, 2025
