Recent claims have suggested that paracetamol (called Tylenol in America) is not safe to take during pregnancy. Additional claims have suggested that MMR vaccinations may cause autism.
There is no evidence to support either of these claims.
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer, Medicines Health and Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said:
“Patient safety is our top priority. There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
“Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.
“Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence. Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts.”
Vaccinations used in our NHS immunisation programmes are life-saving with millions of children worldwide receiving them safely. Vaccination is supported by all major UK public health and children’s medical professional’s organisations.
After clean water, vaccination is the most effective public health intervention in the world for saving lives and promoting good health.
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of immunisation at UK Health Security Agency, said:
“Claims suggesting a link between the MMR vaccine and autism have long been thoroughly discredited. The evidence is clear, there is no link between the vaccine and autism. Resurfacing these links now is putting children’s lives at risk.”
The NHS website has useful information about vaccinations or you can speak to your GP or practice nurse if you have any concerns