The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday stated that there is no scientific evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to the recent surge in sudden cardiac deaths. The statement comes in light of comprehensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
“Extensive studies by ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) and AIIMS on sudden deaths among adults post-COVID have conclusively established no linkage between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths. Studies by ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have affirmed that COVID-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects,” the ministry said in its official statement.
Heart Attacks Triggered by Multiple Factors, Say Experts
The ministry further clarified that sudden cardiac deaths could be attributed to several other factors beyond vaccines, such as pre-existing medical conditions, genetics, lifestyle issues, or post-COVID complications.
“Sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications. Scientific experts have reiterated that statements linking COVID vaccination to sudden deaths are false and misleading and are not supported by scientific consensus,” the statement added.
Actor Shefali Jariwala’s Death Raises Public Anxiety
One recent case that drew national attention was the sudden death of television actor Shefali Jariwala, who passed away at the age of 42 due to a suspected heart attack in Mumbai. The incident has intensified public fears regarding the causes of cardiac arrests among young individuals.
According to police reports, the actor collapsed at her home on Friday night. Her husband, TV actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Andheri, where doctors declared her brought dead. Police officers stated, “We are awaiting the post-mortem report.” Preliminary findings suggest a sudden drop in blood pressure as a possible trigger for the cardiac arrest. Authorities have ruled out any foul play.
Rise in Sudden Deaths Since 2020 Spurs Speculation
Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, numerous sudden deaths among young adults—often due to cardiac arrests—have led to widespread speculation linking these incidents to COVID-19 vaccinations. The latest findings from ICMR and AIIMS aim to dispel such fears and provide reassurance to the public.
While the debate has raged across social platforms, health experts and researchers emphasize that only a small fraction of individuals experience serious vaccine side effects, and these remain statistically insignificant when compared to the overall benefits of vaccination.
The Ministry hopes that these data-driven conclusions will help end misinformation surrounding vaccine safety and redirect attention toward addressing genuine health risks.