Academy Position Statement on Vaccines, Acetominophen, and Autism Claims

Academy of Medicine — Position Statement on Vaccines, Acetaminophen, and Autism Claims

Introduction

In recent public discourse, claims have resurfaced linking routine childhood vaccinations or prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) use to autism. These assertions raise understandable concerns among patients, parents, and clinicians alike. As physicians committed to scientific rigor, patient safety, and public health, we must respond with clarity, honesty, and evidence—and uphold trust in medicine and medicine's role in protecting children and families.

Position & Key Principles

1. Vaccines do not cause autism.

Decades of rigorous research—including epidemiologic studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews—have found no causal association between vaccines (or their components) and autism spectrum disorder
Leading public health and professional bodies (CDC, AAP, AAFP, WHO, National Academy of Medicine) affirm that vaccines are safe and essential for preventing serious communicable diseases.
Misattributing autism risk to vaccines undermines public health by fueling vaccine hesitancy, which can lead to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infections and erosion of community immunity.

2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy: association ≠ causation, and benefits vs. risks must be balanced.

Some observational studies have reported associations between frequent or prolonged prenatal acetaminophen use and autism or ADHD risk in children. However, no study to date has established a definitive causal link, and the findings remain conflicting and subject to confounding variables and biases. Others, including large-scale, international studies, have demonstrated no association between autism and acetaminophen use.
The FDA has initiated a safety label review to alert physicians of possible associations, while acknowledging that evidence is not conclusive.
Obstetrics and pediatric professional societies continue to affirm the safety of acetaminophen when used appropriately (i.e., at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration) as it remains the most commonly recommended analgesic/antipyretic during pregnancy.
It is also essential to recognize that untreated fever or pain in pregnancy can carry serious risks for both mother and fetus; thus, clinical judgment in balancing risks vs. benefits between a patient and her provider is necessary, as in all medical treatments.

3. Transparent communication, humility, and continued research

Patients, caregivers, and the public deserve transparent, up-to-date communication. We should acknowledge areas where knowledge is uncertain and avoid overstating associations as fact.
We must resist the temptation to conflate correlation with causation or amplify speculative claims lacking solid evidence.
The Academy supports continued, high-quality research (including prospective cohorts, mechanistic studies, sibling studies, and randomized trials where possible) into risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders, encompassing environmental exposures, genetics, and medication use.
We urge that any regulatory or labeling changes be made based on a careful scientific review, rather than political pressure or sensational claims.

4. Practical Guidance for Physicians

When discussing immunizations with families, reaffirm that vaccines are safe, based on substantial evidence, and critical to preventing serious disease in individuals and communities.
If patients raise concerns about autism risk, acknowledge their fears, review the evidence, and point to credible sources (e.g., CDC, AAP, peer-reviewed literature).
For pregnant patients, counsel that acetaminophen, when used judiciously, remains a standard and generally accepted option for pain or fever, but emphasize prudent use (lowest effective dose, limited duration) and encourage consultation with obstetric providers.
Monitor emerging literature and guidelines. As new, well-designed studies are published, we will update our clinical practice and patient communications accordingly.

Conclusion

As physicians, we bear responsibility not only for individual patient care but also for safeguarding public trust in medicine. Claims that vaccines or prenatal Tylenol use cause autism are not supported by the totality of scientific evidence. We must speak with conviction, compassion, and accuracy—encouraging evidence-based decision making, continued inquiry, and respectful dialogue.

The Academy stands ready to support clinicians in conveying clear, evidence-based counsel and to engage in research and advocacy that protects both individual and public health.