Decline in Newborn Vitamin K Shots Means More Life-Threatening Bleeds

Parents are increasingly refusing the routine vitamin K shot for newborns.

U.S. refusal rates nearly doubled from 2017 to 2024, with a smaller rise in Sweden.

Without the injection, babies face higher risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding, including brain and internal hemorrhage.

Doctors warn this can cause lasting neurologic harm in the first months of life.