US President Donald Trump repeated his warning against the use of Tylenol by pregnant women and young children, despite criticism from medical experts and organisations. In a Truth Social post on Friday, Trump also reiterated his recommendations to change established vaccine schedules, including calls for splitting the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine into separate doses and delaying the hepatitis B vaccine until age 12 or older.

In an extraordinary news conference at the White House on Monday, Trump linked autism to childhood vaccines and the taking of Tylenol by women when pregnant, elevating claims not backed by scientific evidence to the forefront of US health policy.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Pregnant Women, DON’T USE TYLENOL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, DON’T GIVE TYLENOL TO YOUR YOUNG CHILD FOR VIRTUALLY ANY REASON, BREAK UP THE MMR SHOT INTO THREE TOTALLY SEPARATE SHOTS (NOT MIXED!), TAKE CHICKEN P SHOT SEPARATELY, TAKE HEPATITAS B SHOT AT 12 YEARS OLD, OR OLDER, AND, IMPORTANTLY, TAKE VACCINE IN 5 SEPARATE MEDICAL VISITS!”

Trump’s remarks have brought renewed attention to medical advice not grounded in established scientific research. On Monday, he had placed these themes at the forefront of US health policy, linking Tylenol and vaccines to autism in a White House briefing.

RESPONSE FROM MEDICAL COMMUNITY

Medical societies and numerous advocacy organisations have condemned Trump’s comments. Health experts pointed out the safety record of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) when used under the guidance of a doctor during pregnancy, which is supported by decades of studies and clinical practice. In response to Trump’s call for significant changes to childhood vaccine schedules, including spreading out doses over multiple visits, experts warned of consequences for public health and access to care.

OFFICIAL CLARIFICATION FROM US HEALTH AUTHORITIES

Following widespread concern over Trump’s statements, federal health officials have moved to clarify the scientific evidence regarding Tylenol and vaccines. “The National Institutes of Health director in media appearances and the Food and Drug Administration commissioner in a written notice to physicians said there is an association, not a proven link, and that women should consult their doctors.” The officials emphasised that current medical guidance does not support Trump’s claims and urged patients to rely on established, evidence-based advice from their healthcare providers.

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