A scientist and director at the ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) announced findings from a recent study, confirming that COVID-19 vaccinations were not associated with sudden deaths. Dr. Manoj V Murhekar stated that the research, involving around 800 cases of sudden death and 3000 controls, indicated no link between the vaccine and such fatalities. In fact, the study suggested that vaccination might offer some protection against sudden deaths. The study also identified other risk factors including prior severe COVID-19, hospitalization due to COVID-19, recent strenuous exercise, binge drinking, and a family history of sudden death.
The announcement was made in response to concerns raised by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah regarding a cluster of heart-related deaths in Hassan. Murhekar mentioned that a high-level expert committee in Karnataka is investigating these deaths, and the ICMR study, conducted 1.5 years ago, found no association between COVID-19 vaccines and sudden deaths.