NJ health officials reaffirm safety of acetaminophen, vaccines for pregnant women and infants

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA) on Tuesday underscored the safety of acetaminophen use during pregnancy when directed by a health care provider, while also emphasizing the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and postpartum, and hepatitis B vaccination for infants.

The announcement comes amid confusion and concern fueled by federal debates, with state officials stressing their commitment to evidence-based guidance aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM).

“Acetaminophen has been widely used for decades and is considered safe and effective when used as directed and as needed during pregnancy. We also continue to remind New Jersey families to stay up-to-date on all recommended vaccines. As always, we encourage the public to consult with qualified health care professionals and clinicians and rely on trusted medical sources when making decisions about their health or the health of their children,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “In New Jersey, we will continue to follow the science. We are committed to monitoring ongoing research and rooting our recommendations in credible scientific data. In the meantime, we urge caution in sharing or acting on unverified health claims.”

“We cannot allow misinformation to deter women from safe, clinically-tested methods to safeguard the health and well-being of both the mother and baby during pregnancy,” said Lisa Asare, President & CEO, New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority. “NJMIHIA is committed to continuing the work of empowering expectant parents to make informed decisions in our collective effort to make the State of New Jersey the safest and most equitable place to deliver and raise a baby.”

NJMIHIA recently convened with clinicians from the New Jersey Maternal Care Quality Collaborative Clinical Best Practices Workgroup to review clear, evidence-based guidance aimed at protecting pregnant and lactating patients, their infants, and families.

According to NJDOH and NJMIHIA, their position is that:

• Pregnant patients and newborns should be offered hepatitis B vaccination, consistent with national guidance.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding patients, as well as all children ages 6 months and older, should be offered COVID-19 vaccination.

• Pregnant patients should not avoid indicated treatment for fever or pain, including acetaminophen. Current evidence does not show a causal link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability.

Officials also noted that untreated fever and pain can increase risks for both mother and child.

COVID-19 vaccines are available to all New Jersey residents ages 6 months and older, while hepatitis B vaccination remains universal at birth. Acetaminophen continues to be available over the counter.