Alarm over safety effects of Trump's autism comments

Pharmacists have sounded the alarm over Donald Trump's misleading claims on childhood jabs after a third of patients said they were less likely to get vaccinated or vaccinate their children after his comments this week.

- REBECCA THOMAS HEALTH CORRESPONDENT

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) hit out at the US president for causing “alarm to parents” after he said jabs for measles, mumps, and rubella should be given separately and claimed a brand of paracetamol used in pregnant women is linked to autism in children.

Speaking at the White House on Monday about childhood vaccines, he said, “It seems to be that when you mix them, there could be a problem. It’s practically a known fact that if you break it up, you’re not going to have a problem.” He did not cite any scientific basis for the claim, adding: “This is based on what I feel.”

Experts around the world have heavily criticised the statements, warning that the claims are not supported by scientific evidence, while the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told