Donald Trump said people "should be vaccinated" in an apparent attempt to encourage vaccinations against a measles epidemic sweeping part of the United States, although they have repeatedly associated the vaccination to autism.
"Vaccinations are so important, it's really changing," he told reporters in front of the White House. "They must have their shots."
The President spoke after the alarming resumption of the spread of the disease, which had already been eradicated. The number of measles cases in the United States is now at the highest level since 2000.
We will tell you what is true. You can form your own view.
Of 15p $ 0.18 $ 0.18 $ 0.27
one day, more exclusive, analyzes and supplements.
Some 700 cases have been reported this year, and the spread has been largely attributed to misinformation that makes parents against vaccines.
The warning comes despite the fact that Trump has repeatedly tried to link immunization to autism, despite the scientific evidence.
He tweeted about the conspiracy theory more than 20 times, to the chagrin of the big scientific groups. Trump also met with leading anti-vaccination activists before his election.
The US federal agency, the Centers for Disease Control, has repeatedly urged citizens to ensure that they and their children are vaccinated.
"Credible scientific evidence shows that vaccines are very safe and do not cause Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)," said in a statement last year, citing concern over links from Mr. Trump with the anti-vaxx cause.
"The CDC, the Federal Drug Administration and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices routinely review data to ensure that vaccine recommendations are backed by the latest scientific knowledge to ensure safe and effective protection against serious diseases. Concerned parents should be reassured that the recommended vaccines for children have a strong safety record. "
He added, "For the general population, it is important to maintain high vaccination rates, not only for each individual, but also to prevent life-threatening diseases from spreading to the most vulnerable of us, like patients with weakened immune systems and over-born newborns. young people to get vaccinated.
The president made the remarks while addressing reporters before leaving for Indiana, where he will speak at the NRA annual convention. During the same discussion, he introduced himself as "the youngest person" and attacked the recently declared Democratic candidate, Joe Biden.