Donald Trump's incorrect autism comments 'pose a risk to patient safety in UK'

Pharmacists have seen a surge in people saying they are less likely to get vaccinated after Donald Trump suggested "pills and vaccines" are behind a rise in autism.

The US President sparked outrage among medics and the scientific community after making un-evidenced claims about vaccines in a press conference in the Oval Office last week. He also advised women in the early stages of pregnancy to avoid taking paracetamol, claiming it could increase the risk of their baby being autistic.

Now the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has intervened to back NHS guidelines that paracetamol is still the safest treatment for pain and high fever which if untreated, increase the risk of birth defects.

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Its snap survey of 500 pharmacies carried out the day after the comments were made, found that 32% reported that patients had told pharmacy teams that they were less likely to get vaccinated or get their children vaccinated in light of Trump’s comments.

The poll of pharmacists serving an estimated 2.5 million patients also found 24% reported patients questioning the safety of paracetamol. Six in 10 pharmacists surveyed said they were concerned the debate about medicines and vaccines in the US could pose a risk to patient safety in Britain.

Olivier Picard, NPA chair, said: “President Trump’s comments break long standing international consensus around treatments which strong medical evidence suggests are very safe, highly effective and used by millions of people over many years.

"Statements like these cause alarm to parents, who feel unnecessary guilt for having done the right thing for their health during their pregnancy.

“Paracetamol remains an effective and safe pain relief option for patients, including for pregnant women and leaving fever and pain untreated can pose risks to unborn babies.

“Childhood vaccination campaigns have also been crucial in preventing serious illnesses that were commonplace in the UK 60 years ago, such as Measles, but people can easily be swayed by what they hear online or on the television.”

President Trump said there had been a "meteoric rise" in cases of autism and suggested that paracetamol - which is called Tylenol in the US - is a potential cause. He said the painkillers should not be taken during pregnancy, suggesting pregnant women should "tough it out" and also raised unfounded concerns about vaccines.

Trump's comments have been criticised by autism campaigners and scientists in the UK.

On combined vaccines, Trump said: "It's so important to me to... see the doctor four times or five times for a vaccine. Don't let them pump your baby up with the largest pile of stuff you've ever seen in your entire life going into the delicate little body of a baby.

"Even if it's two years, three years, four years... I would say five, but let's say four visits to the doctor instead of one."

The NPA, which represents around 6,000 independent community pharmacies in the UK, insists parents should continue to get their children vaccinated to prevent serious illness.

Pharmacies are assuring pregnant women that it is appropriate to take paracetamol if experiencing a high fever or in need of pain relief as well

Olivier Picard added: “People have every right to question medicines but it is vitally important that patients get their medical advice from trusted and well evidenced sources, such as pharmacists and doctors who have seen the clinical research underpinning treatments. If patients are concerned about the safety of medication, they should speak to their local pharmacist.”