ICMR, NCDC studies find no direct link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden deaths
On 2 July 2025, the Health Ministry said studies by ICMR and NCDC have established no direct link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden unexplained deaths among adults aged 18–45.
Summary
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on 2 July 2025 that studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have established no direct link between COVID-19 vaccination and reports of sudden deaths, and that COVID-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective. One study, by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology, was a multicentric matched case–control study of unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18–45, carried out from May to August 2023 across 47 tertiary care hospitals in 19 states and UTs. The ministry said sudden cardiac deaths can result from genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions and post-COVID complications.
Key facts
- Finding
- No direct link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden deaths
- Agencies
- ICMR and NCDC
- NIE study
- Matched case–control; May–August 2023; 47 tertiary hospitals in 19 states/UTs
- Age group
- 18–45 years
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The ICMR–NCDC studies on sudden unexplained deaths (July 2025) focused on adults of which age group?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 18–45 years
Health Ministry: ICMR and NCDC worked to understand sudden unexplained deaths, especially in young adults between the ages of 18 and 45 years.
Which ICMR institute conducted the multicentric matched case–control study on sudden deaths across 47 hospitals in 19 states/UTs?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — National Institute of Epidemiology
Health Ministry: the first study, conducted by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), was carried out from May to August 2023 across 47 tertiary care hospitals in 19 states and UTs.