SRINAGAR: The Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has concluded that COVID-19 vaccination is not associated with unexplained sudden deaths among young adults in India, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.
In response to a question by Congress Member of Parliament Imran Pratapgarhi, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare cited a study titled “Factors Associated with Unexplained Sudden Deaths Among Adults Aged 18–45 Years in India: A Multicentric Matched Case-Control Study”. The study was conducted across 47 tertiary care hospitals in 19 states and Union Territories between May and August 2023.
It focused on apparently healthy individuals aged 18–45 who died suddenly (within 24 hours of hospitalisation or while appearing healthy within the preceding 24 hours) between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2023, with no known co-morbidities. Data collected included COVID-19 vaccination and infection history, post-COVID conditions, family history of sudden death, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, recreational drug use, alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and vigorous physical activity.
The findings showed that COVID-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults. However, prior hospitalisation for COVID-19, a family history of sudden death, and specific lifestyle behaviours were linked to increased risk.
The government also outlined efforts under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), supported by the Department of Health & Family Welfare. These include the establishment of NCD clinics and cardiac care units across India.
Screening initiatives targeting individuals above 30 years of age aim to identify and manage common NCDs like diabetes and hypertension, which are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Community-based activities promoting healthy lifestyles are also being undertaken through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, national health observances, and digital campaigns.
The Fit India Movement by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and yoga-related initiatives by the Ministry of AYUSH are also part of ongoing public health promotion efforts, the government added. (KNO)
