Key Summary
- One in three pharmacies reported patients raising concerns about getting themselves or their children vaccinated
- Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of patients questioned the safety of paracetamol this week
- More than half of the pharmacies (58 per cent) were concerned that this debate could pose a risk to patient safety in the UK
The recent remarks by the US president, Donald Trump, regarding the safety of vaccinations and paracetamol have caused panic among the general public in the UK.
A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that one in three pharmacies reported patients raising concerns about getting themselves or their children vaccinated, in light of Trump's remarks.
He had raised concerns about the safety of childhood vaccinations, as well as an unproven link between the use of paracetamol in pregnant women and a rise in the diagnosis of autism in children.
Pharmacies are warning that this debate could pose a risk to patient care in the UK, creating misinformation about medicines and vaccinations.
The snap survey of 500 pharmacies, serving an estimated 2.5 million patients, was carried out the day after the comments were made.
The survey found that 32 percent reported to the NPA that some patients had told pharmacy teams that they were less likely to get vaccinated or get their children vaccinated in light of Trump's comments.
Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of patients reported questioning the safety of paracetamol this week.
More than half of the pharmacies (58 per cent) were concerned that the debate about medicines and vaccines in the US could pose a risk to patient safety in the UK.
Pharmacies are assuring pregnant women that it is advisable to take paracetamol if experiencing a high fever or in need of pain relief, and parents are being advised to continue to get their children vaccinated to prevent serious illness.
NPA chair, Olivier Picard, 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.
“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.
"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 television.
“If patients are concerned about the safety of medication, they should speak to their local pharmacist.”
Earlier, the MHRA and other health agencies around the globe, including the WHO, had disputed the claims made by Trump on paracetamol.
