New Jersey Health Officials Reaffirm Safety of Vaccines and Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Amid Growing Misinformation

State agencies and medical experts stress evidence-based guidance for pregnant and postpartum patients as questions arise over medication and vaccination safety.

NEW JERSEY — Amid ongoing public debate over the safety of common medications and vaccinations during pregnancy, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA) are reinforcing established, evidence-based medical guidance regarding the use of acetaminophen and the importance of timely vaccinations.

During a meeting held on Friday, September 19, 2025, with clinicians from the New Jersey Maternal Care Quality Collaborative (NJMCQC), state health leaders addressed rising public uncertainty. The discussion aimed to reaffirm guidance aligned with national medical authorities including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM).

Their position is clear: acetaminophen remains safe and effective when used as directed during pregnancy, and COVID-19 and hepatitis B vaccinations continue to offer essential protections for pregnant individuals, infants, and families.

Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy: No Proven Link to Neurodevelopmental Disorders

In response to renewed concerns fueled by recent federal commentary, state health agencies and clinical leaders emphasized that current scientific evidence does not support a causal link between prenatal acetaminophen use and developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability.

Dr. Steven J. Fleischman, president of ACOG, criticized recent federal statements, calling them “irresponsible” and lacking support from rigorous scientific data. He noted that:

“In more than two decades of research on the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy, not a single reputable study has successfully concluded that the use of acetaminophen in any trimester of pregnancy causes neurodevelopmental disorders in children.”

Fleischman also pointed to two major studies—including one published in JAMA—that found no significant associations between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and childhood neurological outcomes. He warned that untreated maternal conditions such as fever and pain present greater risks to both pregnant individuals and fetuses than the theoretical concerns posed by the medication.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and SMFM continue to recommend acetaminophen as a front-line treatment for managing fever and pain in pregnancy, with the clear instruction that all medication decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

COVID-19 and Hepatitis B Vaccinations: Recommended for Maternal and Infant Health

NJDOH and NJMIHIA also reiterated their recommendation that pregnant and postpartum individuals, breastfeeding patients, and all children six months and older receive COVID-19 vaccinations, in line with national clinical guidelines. In New Jersey, COVID-19 vaccines remain available without a prescription following recent actions by the Murphy Administration to ensure broad access and insurance coverage.

Similarly, hepatitis B vaccination is recommended at birth and continues to be offered universally in New Jersey hospitals. These immunizations are backed by extensive evidence confirming their effectiveness in preventing serious illness in infants and children.

Addressing Confusion with Clinical Consensus

In the context of increasing confusion and concern about medication and vaccine safety during pregnancy, the state’s health authorities aim to provide clarity through alignment with national clinical standards. The NJDOH and NJMIHIA emphasized that:

• Acetaminophen remains a safe and necessary option for treating pain and fever during pregnancy when used under medical supervision.

• COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged during pregnancy, postpartum, and for children 6 months and older.

• Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all newborns.

These positions are grounded in the most recent scientific evidence and reflect consensus among leading obstetric and pediatric experts.

For further information on maternal and infant health guidance in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Department of Health or the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority websites.