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The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has said patients have questioned the safety of paracetamol in pharmacies and told pharmacy teams they are less likely to get vaccinated or arrange for their children to have a vaccine following Donald Trump’s unfounded claims about a link between the painkiller and autism.

The NPA said it surveyed 500 member pharmacies, who serve about 2.5 million patients, the day after the US president’s comments and found patients had told 32 per cent of pharmacies “they were less likely to get vaccinated or get their children vaccinated in light of comments made in the US”.

Twenty-four per cent said patients questioned the safety of paracetamol and 58 per cent were “concerned the debate about medicines and vaccines in the US could pose a risk to patient safety in the UK”.

The NPA said pharmacies were “assuring pregnant women it is appropriate to take paracetamol if they are experiencing a high fever or are in need of pain relief” as well as encouraging parents to continue to get their children vaccinated.

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.”

Insisting patients concerned about the safety of medication should speak to their local pharmacist, Picard added: “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.”

PAGB: Our members who provide brands containing paracetamol take patient safety very seriously

Michelle Riddalls, the CEO of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain which represents manufacturers of branded over-the-counter medicines, said: “In the UK, paracetamol is an over-the-counter painkiller which can be used during pregnancy. Our members, who provide trusted brands containing paracetamol, take patient safety very seriously and constantly review and monitor the safety of their products.

"Pregnant and breastfeeding women should always read and follow the product label before using any over-the-counter medicines. If they have any concerns they can talk to their pharmacist or other healthcare professionals.

"They can also find out more information about ‘Paracetamol and pregnancy - what you need to know’ on the Government’s website, which includes facts and FAQs about paracetamol use in pregnancy from the Department of Health and Social Care.”