Pharmacists in UK see surge of questions after Trump paracetamol and vaccine claims

Pharmacists in the United Kingdom say they have been overwhelmed with questions from worried patients after Donald Trump made unsubstantiated claims about the safety of paracetamol and vaccines, a UK survey indicates. In a backlash to the former U.S. president’s remarks, a third of pharmacies reported that customers were less likely to have themselves or their children vaccinated this week, while about a quarter received questions about the safety of paracetamol, known in the United States as Tylenol, in pregnancy. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which surveyed 500 pharmacies serving roughly 2.5 million patients, said more than half of respondents (58%) believe Trump’s comments pose a risk to patient care in the UK. The association urged pharmacists to reinforce evidence-based medicine as regulators warned against misinformation about medicines and vaccinations that have helped prevent life-threatening diseases.

Trump’s comments, delivered at a White House press conference, claimed there has been a meteoric rise in autism and suggested Tylenol could be a cause. He added that expectant mothers should not take the painkiller and should “tough it out.” He also raised unfounded concerns about vaccines. The remarks were met with swift criticism from autism advocacy groups and scientists in the UK, who characterized them as fear-mongering that could put women and children at risk. One in four pharmacies reported that patients had begun to question the safety of paracetamol in light of his statements.

In response to the spike in questions and apprehension, regulators and medical groups in the UK emphasized the established safety profile of paracetamol and the importance of continuing vaccination programs. The UK and European Medicines Agency have repeatedly stated that paracetamol is safe for use in pregnancy when taken as directed, and that withholding fever relief or pain relief during pregnancy can itself carry risks. Health authorities urged pregnant women to seek guidance from their healthcare providers rather than rely on sensational media reports or social media discussions.

Olivier Picard, chair of the National Pharmacy Association, affirmed the role of pharmacists as trusted health advisers during a period of heightened misinformation. “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,” Picard said. “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.” He added that paracetamol remains an effective and safe option for pain relief, including during pregnancy, and warned that leaving fever and pain untreated can jeopardize unborn babies. Picard also underscored the importance of continuing childhood vaccination campaigns to prevent illnesses that were once common in the UK, noting that people can be swayed by online or televised misinformation.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting weighed in as well, telling ITV’s Lorraine program that there is “no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children.” Streeting pointed to a 2024 Swedish study involving 2.4 million children that did not uphold the claims. “I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly, on this,” he said, adding that people should not pay attention to what the former president says about medicine and urged listeners to “listen to British doctors, British scientists, the NHS.” Streeting’s comments were part of a broader government effort to reassure the public about continued access to essential medicines and vaccines while countering misinformation.

Further officials emphasized that while patients may have valid questions about medications, the consensus among health authorities remains consistent: paracetamol is safe for use in pregnancy when used as directed, and vaccines protect children from serious diseases. Regulators and professional bodies encouraged patients to discuss any concerns with their trusted clinicians, including pharmacists who can provide personalized guidance in the context of an individual’s medical history. The survey’s findings suggest that the impact of public figures’ statements on health behaviors can be swift and tangible, underscoring the ongoing need for clear, accessible information about medicines and vaccination.

In the coming weeks, the NPA said it would continue monitoring patient questions in pharmacies and would work with local pharmacists to reinforce evidence-based advice while mitigating the spread of misinformation. The organization reiterated its message that patients should rely on primary sources—doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—when making decisions about medicines and vaccines and that misinformation can lead to unnecessary fear and delayed care.