AIIMS Experts Confirm COVID-19 Vaccines Are Not Linked to Sudden Cardiac Deaths

AIIMS Experts Address Concerns Over Vaccine Safety
On Thursday, Dr. Randeep Guleria, the former Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), emphasized that research conducted by ICMR and AIIMS indicates that recent young fatalities are unrelated to COVID-19 vaccinations.
Dr. Guleria stated, “Reports have emerged regarding young individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrests. Investigations have been carried out to determine the cause. Studies from ICMR and AIIMS have conclusively shown that these young deaths are not associated with COVID-19 vaccines. While it is true that vaccines can have side effects, as do all medications, there is no evidence linking COVID-19 vaccination to heart attacks.”
Supporting this view, Dr. Sanjay Rai, a professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, highlighted the global administration of over 13 billion vaccine doses, reinforcing the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.
Dr. Rai remarked, “The efficacy of the Covishield vaccine stands at 62.1%. Currently, there are 37 vaccines approved by various regulatory bodies, with around 12 endorsed by the WHO. Most of these vaccines utilize different technologies. For instance, Covaxin employs traditional methods, while Covishield uses an adenovirus vector. Countries like the US have already begun administering fourth doses, and the WHO recommends vaccination for everyone aged six months and older with the latest variant.”
#WATCH | Delhi | Professor at Centre for Community Medicine, Dr Sanjay Rai says, "The Covishield vaccine efficacy was 62.1...Currently there are 37 vaccines already approved by various regulatory authorities. The WHO has approved around 12 vaccines, and the majority of these… pic.twitter.com/D90ETRS4DO
— News Media (@NewsMedia) July 3, 2025
Dr. Karan Madan, an Associate Professor in the Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at AIIMS, also affirmed the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing mortality rates.
Dr. Madan stated, “COVID vaccines have proven to be effective and have played a vital role in lowering mortality rates. During the pandemic, vaccines were the only viable option to save lives. They were administered to a vast population and significantly contributed to preventing excess deaths. A study examining sudden cardiac deaths in relation to the vaccines found no clear association.”
#WATCH | Delhi: Dr Karan Madan, Associate Professor, Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, AIIMS Delhi, says "COVID vaccines were effective vaccines and they played a crucial role in reducing the mortality. During the pandemic, vaccines are the only possible… pic.twitter.com/N2HBxZKnkU
— News Media (@NewsMedia) July 3, 2025
The insights from these experts come in the wake of statements made by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.