The Ministry of Health (MOH) has dismissed claims linking childhood vaccinations and the use of paracetamol during pregnancy to autism.
Director-General of Health, Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab, emphasized that the World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly confirmed there is no scientific evidence connecting vaccines to autism. Vaccines, he added, have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years and now protect communities from more than 50 infectious diseases.
“Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder affecting nearly 62 million people worldwide. Its exact causes are not fully understood but are believed to involve biological, genetic, and environmental factors, not vaccines,” Dr Mahathar said in a statement.
On the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, he noted that the WHO has affirmed the drug is safe when taken according to recommended dosages and medical advice. “Paracetamol has been widely used, including by pregnant women. When taken at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, it remains one of the safest options,” he explained.
Addressing claims that folinic acid (leucovorin) can treat autism, Dr Mahathar clarified that current scientific evidence is limited to small-scale studies and cannot be considered a standard treatment.
He urged the public not to be swayed by unverified claims and reiterated MOH’s commitment to ensuring all medications and vaccines are safe and effective.
