December 15, Colombo (LNW): A comprehensive year-long study carried out by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has found no scientific evidence connecting COVID-19 vaccination to sudden deaths among young adults, reinforcing confidence in the safety of the vaccines.
The research, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, examined cases involving individuals aged 18 to 45 who died unexpectedly. Investigators employed multiple methods, including verbal autopsies, advanced imaging, full post-mortem examinations and detailed tissue analysis, to determine the causes of death with a high degree of accuracy.
The findings showed no statistically meaningful relationship between vaccination status and sudden mortality in this age group. Instead, the majority of deaths were attributed to recognised medical conditions, with heart-related diseases identified as the most common cause. Respiratory illnesses and other non-cardiac factors were also present in a number of cases.
Researchers further noted that prior COVID-19 infection and vaccination patterns were broadly similar across age groups, providing no indication of a causal link between immunisation and unexpected deaths. The conclusions align with international scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
Professor Sudheer Arava of AIIMS said the study is especially relevant amid the spread of unverified claims suggesting a connection between vaccines and sudden fatalities. He emphasised that the data clearly refute such assertions and highlighted the importance of relying on rigorous scientific research rather than speculation.
Medical experts added that sudden deaths in younger people, while deeply distressing, are often linked to undiagnosed or underlying health conditions, particularly those affecting the heart. They stressed the value of routine health checks, healthier lifestyles and early medical care in reducing such risks.
Professor Arava also urged the public to seek information from credible scientific sources and to remain cautious of misinformation that could undermine trust in proven public health interventions, including vaccination programmes.
