Renowned baker Dame Mary Berry has made it clear that she will not engage in discussions about Donald Trump’s controversial vaccine statements. Despite this, she emphasized that she will ensure to receive all necessary vaccinations due to her personal experience battling polio during her childhood.
Earlier this year, Trump put forth a theory linking autism to vaccines and paracetamol usage, a claim that has since been discredited by global health organizations and medical experts.
Although lacking evidence, Trump’s influential status allows such claims to quickly circulate and potentially lead to real-world repercussions. In response, healthcare professionals and political figures worldwide were prompt in refuting Trump’s assertions.
Labour’s Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, expressed trust in medical experts over President Trump, asserting that there is no proven link between paracetamol use by pregnant women and autism in their children. Streeting urged the public to rely on British healthcare professionals and scientists for accurate information.
In an interview with Radio Times Magazine, Mary Berry, aged 90 and a former Bake Off judge, stated that while she is aware of Trump’s statements, she prefers not to engage in the controversy but will ensure to receive all recommended vaccinations.
Mary, who left Bake Off in 2016, has openly shared her experience of contracting polio at the age of 13, which led to an extended hospital stay and lasting effects on her health.
Despite the challenges she faced, Mary expressed gratitude for her relatively mild experience with polio, which affected her left side, resulting in a slight deformity in her left hand. She emphasized the importance of vaccinations, highlighting her support for the routine childhood vaccination schedule, including the polio vaccine.
Amidst concerns about rising flu cases, Mary’s endorsement of annual vaccinations aligns with the NHS’s recommendation for parents to ensure their children receive flu vaccinations. England’s chief nursing officer, Duncan Barton, warned about the early onset of flu this year, especially among children who could spread the virus to vulnerable individuals.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock emphasized the importance of adult vaccinations to protect both individuals and the community, underscoring the efficacy of vaccination in preventing serious illnesses.
In other news, Mary Berry is scheduled to appear in the premiere episode of ‘Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking’ airing tonight on BBC Two at 7.30pm.
