Summary
A study shows more parents are refusing vitamin K shots for newborns, leading to higher risks of serious brain bleeds and other health issues. Despite the refusal rates being generally low, there is an upward trend in the U.S. and some other countries. Refusal of vitamin K is often linked with a hesitancy towards other newborn health interventions.
Key Facts
- Parents are increasingly declining vitamin K shots for newborns, raising health risks.
- Vitamin K helps blood clot, preventing dangerous brain bleeds in babies.
- Refusal rates in the U.S. are rising, from 0.9% in Minnesota in 2015 to 1.6% in 2019.
- The study found babies without the shot are 81 times more likely to have bleeding issues.
- International refusal rates vary, with some areas seeing rates over 30%.
- A connection exists between declining vitamin K and refusing other newborn health measures.
- Reasons for refusal include worries about pain, preservatives, or false information online.
