No Link Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Sudden Heart-Related Deaths: Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified that there is no scientific evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to sudden cardiac deaths. This statement comes amid public speculation following recent deaths, including that of actor Shefali Jariwala.

The ministry referenced comprehensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), AIIMS, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which confirmed that COVID-19 vaccines used in India are safe and effective, with only extremely rare occurrences of serious side effects.

“Sudden cardiac deaths can occur due to multiple factors such as genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-COVID complications,” the ministry emphasized. It also warned against misinformation, stating that linking vaccinations to sudden deaths is false, misleading, and not supported by scientific consensus.

One such tragic case involved 42-year-old actor Shefali Jariwala, who passed away recently in Mumbai. According to initial reports, she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, with doctors suspecting a sudden drop in blood pressure. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to a hospital where she was declared dead on arrival. The post-mortem report is awaited, but police have ruled out any foul play.

With rising concerns about the increasing number of sudden cardiac deaths since the pandemic, the government hopes that these findings will dispel vaccine-related myths and reinforce public confidence in the nation’s vaccination program.