WHO denies any proven link between paracetamol, vaccines and autism

Tuesday 23 September 2025 - 13:30

By: Sahili Aya

WHO denies any proven link between paracetamol, vaccines and autism

The World Health Organization (WHO) affirmed on Tuesday that there is no proven link between paracetamol and autism and reiterated that vaccines do not cause the disorder, despite recent claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump had warned against the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, suggesting an increased risk of autism for children, and went further by questioning the safety of childhood vaccination schedules.

Responding to these statements, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic explained: “Some observational studies have hinted at a possible association between prenatal exposure to paracetamol and autism, but the evidence remains inconsistent. Several studies have found no such relationship.” He urged caution in drawing premature conclusions and stressed the importance of following scientific evidence.

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is commonly prescribed during pregnancy to relieve pain or fever, as alternatives like aspirin or ibuprofen are generally contraindicated in late pregnancy.

On vaccines, Jasarevic was categorical: “Vaccines save lives. They do not cause autism. This has been scientifically proven, and questioning it undermines global health.” He also warned that delaying or altering vaccination schedules increases infection risks for children and communities alike.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex neurodevelopmental condition, has been studied for decades. While autism diagnoses have increased in recent years, experts attribute this largely to improved diagnostic methods rather than an epidemic. According to WHO, around 62 million people worldwide live with ASD, highlighting the need for more research into its causes and better support for affected families.