By Chigbu Nwaobia
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) recently issued two separate statements addressing recent concerns surrounding combination vaccines and paracetamol use during pregnancy.
FIP emphasized in the statements recently posted on its website the safety and importance of combination vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
According to the World Health Organization, vaccines prevent up to 5 million deaths annually and have saved over 150 million lives in the past five decades.
Combination vaccines reduce the number of injections required, ensure timely coverage, and protect against multiple diseases simultaneously.
FIP stressed that allegations linking MMR to autism have been scientifically refuted, and replacing combined vaccines with single-dose schedules would leave children vulnerable to preventable illnesses.
The organization urged parents and caregivers to rely on evidence-based advice from healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.
FIP also addressed recent claims linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism in children. The organization emphasized that current scientific evidence does not support these claims, citing evaluations from leading regulators such as the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and the European Medicines Agency.
Paracetamol remains the recommended first-choice pain relief for pregnant women when used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration.
FIP urged expectant mothers to consult pharmacists and healthcare professionals when considering medication, noting that untreated pain or fever can pose risks.
“FIP reaffirms its commitment to strengthening vaccine confidence, countering misinformation, and safeguarding decades of progress in immunization,” the statement said.
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