Vitamin K Shots: Parents Refuse, Doctors Worry

0:00This is Cory with the story, and here's what is making news across Canada right now. Doctors across the country are seeing more parents refuse vitamin K shots for their newborns, a routine treatment given since 1961-2002, prevent dangerous bleeding. A recent study of over 5 million births show refusals nearly double from 2.9% in 2017 to 5.2% in 2024. Babies are born low on vitamin K, which helps blood clot and protects against brain bleeds until they can make it themselves around 6 months old. This trend extends to other newborn protections like the hepatitis B vaccine and eye oymint against infections that could cause blindness or liver. Damage. Social media spreads doubts about these safe measures, fueled by broader mistrust and science and a push for, quote, natural, unquote, births. Even policy shifts have played a role, though a judge recently blocks and changes to vaccine recommendations. Pediatricians are deeply concerned, reporting cases of severe harm including

1:01developmental delays, seizures, and at least 8 deaths from vitamin K. Deficiency bleeding in Idaho over 13 months. Without these shots, babies face real risks from infections past during birth, even if moms test negative since no test is perfect. Parents often cite fears of pain, pokes disrupting bonding, or misinformation from online sources and influencers across political lines. Some try oral drops instead, but doctors say babies don't absorb them well. A few parents later wish they'd chosen the shot after seeing complications in their kids. Doctors are countering with patient talks, listening first and explaining risks clearly, which sways most families. These efforts highlight a shared goal of keeping new born safe, amid growing hesitancy.