Newborns are becoming increasingly vulnerable to life-threatening bleeding due to a decline in parents administering routine vitamin K shots. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the number of infants not receiving the shot has risen by 77% since 2017, with nearly five million babies from over 400 hospitals across the US included in the analysis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that without vitamin K shots, newborns are 81 times more likely to experience severe bleeding – which can occur in the intestines or brain. Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting its safety, some parents are choosing not to administer the shot due to misconceptions about its potential risks.
In 1990, a study suggested a possible link between vitamin K shots and childhood cancer, leading many to question the necessity of the routine administration. However, subsequent research has found no association between the two, with the American Academy of Pediatrics confirming that the shot is safe. Nonetheless, growing hesitancy among parents about routine immunizations may be contributing to this trend.
A leading expert in neonatology notes that VKDB – vitamin K deficiency bleeding – is relatively rare in the US due to widespread administration of the vitamin K shots immediately after birth. As a result, some parents may not fully grasp the risks associated with declining the shot.
To address these concerns and promote informed decision-making, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is working to "reverse vaccine misperceptions" and encourage best practices in care. By educating parents about the benefits and risks of vitamin K shots, CHOP aims to ensure that all newborns receive this crucial preventive measure to safeguard their health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that without vitamin K shots, newborns are 81 times more likely to experience severe bleeding – which can occur in the intestines or brain. Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting its safety, some parents are choosing not to administer the shot due to misconceptions about its potential risks.
In 1990, a study suggested a possible link between vitamin K shots and childhood cancer, leading many to question the necessity of the routine administration. However, subsequent research has found no association between the two, with the American Academy of Pediatrics confirming that the shot is safe. Nonetheless, growing hesitancy among parents about routine immunizations may be contributing to this trend.
A leading expert in neonatology notes that VKDB – vitamin K deficiency bleeding – is relatively rare in the US due to widespread administration of the vitamin K shots immediately after birth. As a result, some parents may not fully grasp the risks associated with declining the shot.
To address these concerns and promote informed decision-making, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is working to "reverse vaccine misperceptions" and encourage best practices in care. By educating parents about the benefits and risks of vitamin K shots, CHOP aims to ensure that all newborns receive this crucial preventive measure to safeguard their health.
the stats on these newbs not getting vitamin k shots are straight up alarming. 77% increase since 2017 is just crazy, especially when you consider how rare VKDB is in the first place. i mean, i get it, some parents might be worried about something, but come on... 81 times more likely to bleed out from a tiny little intestine issue? that's like saying a paper cut is going to kill you 
no wonder there are so many cases of this stuff going around... hospitals should def be stepping in more to educate people on the risks 
. I mean, come on, 77% more kids not getting the vitamin K shot is a big deal! It's like, we know it's safe and all that, but some parents are still making uninformed decisions. I get it, there was this one study in 1990 that raised concerns about childhood cancer, but that was debunked ages ago 
. The CDC says it's a huge risk for these babies to not get the shot, and now we're seeing more cases of VKDB (bleeding) than ever. It's like, what's going on?! 
We need to make sure parents are getting the facts straight before making decisions about their kids' health. Hospitals and hospitals like CHOP are doing a great job trying to address these concerns, but we all need to be aware of the risks too 
it's like, we already have so many ways to keep our kids safe and healthy, why would we skip out on something that literally saves lives?! 
i mean, i know there was a study about childhood cancer all those years ago, but now we know that's just a total myth 
it's wild how some people just can't seem to get the info straight... i wish more parents would just do their research and make informed decisions for themselves and their little ones 
. I just don't wanna see any newborns suffering because of misconceptions about vitamin K shots... that's just too sad 
My mom always told me that the shot is safe & that's what all the docs are saying too 
But apparently some parents r like "nah I don't wanna do it" 
& now babies are more likely to get life-threatening bleeding 
I'm all for it! 
And all because of some old study from 1990 saying there might be a link to childhood cancer? 
Newsflash: no association, folks! 
The AAP has been saying this shot is safe for years. So why are we seeing this decline in vaccinations now? 
I mean I guess some parents might have misconceptions, but come on! the stats are pretty clear... 81 times more likely to bleed out lol. anyway, im all for the hospital in philly trying to educate ppl on this. we need to make sure these little ones get their shots and stay safe 
! 77% increase since 2017?!?! That's, like, crazy town 
. And the CDC is all like "we warned you" but people still aren't listening 
.
! We've had so much more research since then and it's all been, like, super clear: the shot is safe 
. But, like, kudos to the Children's Hospital of Philly for trying to get the word out and educate people 
! We gotta make sure these little ones are protected 
and now im thinking about vitamins... do they really have to be taken at birth? cant we just get them later? 
is it true that the vaccine is safe or what? 
What's worrying me is that if we're already seeing a decline in vaccination rates, what does the future hold? 
.
