Becoming a parent often brings a flood of questions, especially when it comes to keeping yourself and your baby safe and healthy. It’s natural to feel concerned when you hear different opinions about medicines or vaccines.

This page brings together the latest evidence-based information about paracetamol use in pregnancy and vaccinations for babies and young children. It’s designed to support you with facts from trusted research, so you can make confident decisions for yourself and your family.

Paracetamol use in pregnancy

What the research shows

Paracetamol is also called acetaminophen or Tylenol. It is used to treat mild or moderate pain and lower fever. It is safe to take during pregnancy as directed on the label or by your health practitioner. There is no strong evidence that paracetamol causes autism. Large, well-designed studies looking at whole populations have not found a causal link. Some smaller studies have reported weak associations between paracetamol use and autism, but these findings do not prove cause and effect.

Read more:

• Prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
• Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability
• Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology

What health authorities recommend

Health authorities in Australia and elsewhere say that short-term use of paracetamol at recommended doses is generally considered safe when it is needed (for example to treat a high fever). Untreated fever in pregnancy can itself be harmful, so the usual advice is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary. If you are pregnant and have pain or fever, talk with your midwife, GP or obstetrician about the best treatment for your situation. If you are unsure and don’t have a scheduled appointment, consider contacting the 24/7 health advice helpline in your state or territory.

Read more:

• Statement from the Australian Government Therapeutic Goods Administration about paracetamol use in pregnancy
• World Health Organization statement on autism-related issues

Vaccines for babies and young children

What the research shows

There is no credible scientific evidence that routine childhood vaccines (including MMR) cause autism. The original study that suggested a link has been retracted and discredited; numerous high-quality studies since then have found no causal connection. Vaccination protects children from serious diseases.

Read more:

• Vaccinations and autism
• The vaccine–autism connection: No link, still debate, and we are failing to learn the lessons
• Increasing Exposure to Antibody-Stimulating Proteins and Polysaccharides in Vaccines Is Not Associated with Risk of Autism

What health authorities recommend

Vaccines recommended in Australia follow the National Immunisation Program schedule. These vaccines are chosen because they provide strong protection and are safe for the vast majority of children. If you have questions about the timing or safety of any vaccine, ask your GP, local health clinic or immunisation nurse.

Read more:

• Statement of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) on vaccines and autism
• Australian Government National Immunisation Program Schedule
• The Australian Immunisation Handbook for health professionals

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