AIIMS study finds no evidence linking Covid vaccines to sudden deaths - Video

Sudden deaths among young people have sparked widespread concern in recent years-but a new study from India's premier medical institute offers much-needed clarity. A one-year autopsy-based study at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has found no evidence linking COVID-19 vaccination to sudden deaths in young adults, reaffirming the safety of vaccines used during the pandemic. The findings, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, highlight that underlying heart disease, not vaccination, remains the leading cause of unexplained deaths in younger age groups.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) has long been a complex public health issue, often striking young, seemingly healthy individuals without warning. To investigate whether the phenomenon had any connection to COVID-19 vaccines, a team from the Departments of Pathology and Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at AIIMS conducted a cross-sectional, autopsy-based study between May 2023 and April 2024. Cases meeting the clinical definition of sudden death among adults aged 18 to 45 were included, while causes such as trauma, suicide, homicide, and drug abuse were excluded to ensure focus on medical origins.

Each case underwent extensive examination—including verbal autopsy interviews with families, post-mortem imaging, conventional autopsy, and detailed histopathological analysis. A multidisciplinary team reviewed every case to confirm causes of death and compare findings across two age groups: younger adults (18–45) and older adults (46–65).

During the study period, AIIMS forensic specialists received 2,214 cases, out of which 180 qualified as sudden deaths. Of these, 57.2% (103 cases) involved young adults. The majority were attributed to coronary artery disease (CAD), while respiratory causes like tuberculosis and pneumonia also contributed significantly. Importantly, there was no statistically significant difference in COVID 19 vaccination history or prior infection between those who died suddenly and those who did not.

Lead investigator Dr. Sudheer Arava emphasized that “scientific evidence does not support claims of a causal link between vaccines and sudden deaths.” He cautioned against misinformation, stressing that cardiovascular diseases—often undiagnosed—remain the most common trigger in these cases.

The study underscores the urgent need for better early detection and prevention strategies, such as routine cholesterol and blood pressure screening for young adults. As Dr. Arava concluded, “Citizens should rely on credible science, not speculation. Vaccines save lives—our focus must shift to heart health and lifestyle awareness to truly protect the young.”

REFERENCE: Surabhi Jain, Sudhir Gupta, Abilash Srinivasa Murthy, et al.; Burden of sudden death in young adults: A one-year observational study at a tertiary care centre in India; Indian Journal of Medical Research; 162 (4);453-459; doi:10.25259/IJMR_938_2025