No Evidence of Heart Risk from Covid Vaccines: AIIMS Study

New Delhi: Covid-19 vaccines developed in India are not linked to heart attacks or sudden deaths, according to preliminary findings from an ongoing study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Dr. Sudheer Arava, from the Department of Pathology at AIIMS and a researcher in the study, confirmed that data so far shows no association between Covid-19 vaccine doses and fatalities.

“Till now, our study data says that the vaccine has no effect on the cause of death, whether it is a first dose, second dose or third dose, there is no difference in it,” said Dr. Arava.

The study was launched in response to reports of sudden deaths, particularly heart attacks, following the Covid pandemic. Researchers have been examining whether these deaths could be linked to vaccination.

Initial results, which are expected to be published soon, reveal that about 50 per cent of deaths among individuals aged 18 to 45 years were caused by heart attacks. Another portion of deaths has been categorized as "unexplained death, in which we could not ascertain the cause."

To understand whether such patterns were new, researchers compared them with data from before the Covid-19 pandemic. “We found out that the pattern of death rate among young individuals in pre-Covid times is similar to that of during Covid. We did not find any effect of the vaccine in this... There is no clear-cut indication saying that the vaccine causes sudden death in young individuals,” Dr. Arava said.

Dr. Rajiv Narang from AIIMS’ Department of Cardiology added, “The benefits of vaccines far outweigh the very small possible side effects.” He also stated, “People should be aware that a heart attack is not a simple issue there can be many causes for sudden cardiac arrest.”

Meanwhile, the Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) also reassured the public about the safety of Indian Covid vaccines.

“Covid-19 vaccines of India were developed and manufactured with the highest safety and quality standards,” said Dr. G.V.J.A. Harshavardhan, Director General of IVMA. He added, “All Covid-19 vaccines in India were approved for Emergency Use Authorisation (restricted use in emergency situations of the WHO guidelines).”

He emphasized that approvals were granted after extensive evaluation through preclinical studies and human clinical trials. “The Indian vaccines not only helped control the Covid-19 pandemic and restrict its impact on lives, livelihoods, but most importantly, enabling India’s economic activity and GDP to rebound and grow to new heights globally,” he said.

Highlighting India’s contribution to global health efforts, he noted that the benefits of India-made vaccines were extended to several countries through the government’s Vaccine Maitri programme. “We hereby reassure the public on the safety and efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines,” Harshavardhan said.