Key Points

Health Minister J.P. Nadda dismissed claims linking Covid vaccines to sudden deaths, attributing them instead to genetic and lifestyle factors. He cited ICMR-AIIMS studies confirming no vaccine-related risk increase. Heart attacks remain the leading cause of sudden deaths, unchanged from pre-pandemic trends. Meanwhile, India reported 164 Covid-related deaths between April and July, mostly among those with comorbidities.

Key Points: Nadda Links Sudden Deaths to Health Issues Not Covid Vaccines

  • Nadda cites ICMR-AIIMS studies on sudden deaths
  • Genetic predisposition and lifestyle key factors
  • No vaccine link found
  • Heart attacks remain leading cause
2 min read

Sudden deaths caused by health issues, genetic link - not Covid vax: Nadda

Health Minister J.P. Nadda clarifies sudden deaths are tied to genetics and lifestyle, not Covid vaccines, citing ICMR-AIIMS studies.

"Covid-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk, whereas underlying health issues and genetic predisposition do play a role. – J.P. Nadda"

New Delhi, July 25

Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of sudden deaths, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said in the Parliament on Friday.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Monsoon session, Nadda noted the role of underlying health issues, as well as genetic links behind the rising unexplained deaths in the country.

"Covid-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk, whereas the role of underlying health issues, genetic predisposition, and risky lifestyle choices does play a role in unexplained sudden deaths,” said Nadda.

He cited the studies undertaken by the ICMR and NCDC, as well as the ICMR and AIIMS, to investigate the causes of sudden death.

“The studies observed that Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in India. Past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, and certain lifestyle behaviours increased the likelihood of unexplained sudden death,” Nadda said.

“Early analysis of data from the AIIMS-led study indicates that heart attacks, or myocardial infarction (MI), continue to be the leading cause of sudden death in this age group. Importantly, no major changes in the pattern of causes have been observed when compared with previous years before the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.

Meanwhile, the government informed the Parliament that Covid claimed 164 lives between April and July in the recent summer wave.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav shared details on Covid cases increasing in the country during the last three months.

“There was a slight increase in Covid 19 cases reported by States/UTs from the end of May 2025, which declined significantly since mid-June,” Jadhav said.

“As of July 22, 164 deaths due to Covid-19 had been reported by states/UTs since the first of April; the majority had comorbidities,” he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who lost a cousin to sudden cardiac arrest last year, this data is concerning. We need better preventive healthcare measures in India. Why aren't routine cardiac checkups mandatory for people above 30? 🏥
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Ananya R
The study findings make sense. In my housing society alone, 3 young people had heart attacks in last 2 years - all had stressful jobs, smoked, and never exercised. We need to change our lifestyle more than blaming vaccines.
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Vikram M
While I appreciate the clarification, the government should have released this data earlier. The delay allowed anti-vax theories to spread like wildfire. Transparency and timely communication is crucial in public health matters.
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Kavya N
Heart disease is becoming an epidemic in India! My doctor says our traditional diets combined with modern sedentary lifestyles are deadly combination. Time to bring back home-cooked meals and walking habits like our grandparents had. 🚶‍♀️
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Michael C
The genetic factor is interesting - in my wife's Punjabi family, 4 relatives died suddenly before 50. Doctors warned it might be hereditary. More research needed on South Asian genetics and heart health.

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