Risk of death following COVID-19 vaccination or positive SARS-CoV-2 test in young people in England
Vahé Nafilyan, Charlotte Bermingham, Isobel Ward, Jasper Morgan, Francesco Zaccardi, Kamlesh Khunti, Julie Stanborough, Amitava Banerjee, James Doidge
Abstract
Several studies have reported associations between COVID-19 vaccination and risk of cardiac diseases, especially in young people; the impact on mortality, however, remains unclear. We use national, linked electronic health data in England to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination and positive SARS-CoV-2 tests on the risk of cardiac and all-cause mortality in young people (12 to 29 years) using a self-controlled case series design. Here, we show there is no significant increase in cardiac or all-cause mortality in the 12 weeks following COVID-19 vaccination compared to more than 12 weeks after any dose. However, we find an increase in cardiac death in women after a first dose of non mRNA vaccines. A positive SARS-CoV-2 test is associated with increased cardiac and all-cause mortality among people vaccinated or unvaccinated at time of testing.