Increasing numbers of parents are declining a vitamin K shot for their newborns, a practice that’s been routinely recommended since 1961, raising concerns about a potential surge in serious, preventable bleeding disorders in infants. A preliminary systematic review, released February 26, 2026 and slated for presentation at the American Academy of Neurology’s 78th Annual Meeting this April, found that refusal rates, although still low are trending upward, putting a vulnerable population at risk. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for blood clotting, and newborns are naturally born with low levels of it.
The review examined data spanning two decades and found that babies who do not receive a vitamin K injection are 81 times more likely to develop vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to brain hemorrhages, permanent neurological disabilities, or even death. This isn’t a vaccine, but a nutritional supplement, and experts are increasingly worried about the spread of misinformation influencing parental decisions.
Rising Refusal Rates and Geographic Trends
While vitamin K refusal remains under 1% in most U.S. Hospitals, the study revealed concerning regional variations. In Minnesota, refusal rates nearly doubled from 0.9% in 2015 to 1.6% in 2019. Data from 2018 and 2019 showed refusal rates ranging from 0.2% to 1.3% in California, Connecticut, and Iowa. Notably, over half of hospital staff in those states reported perceiving an increase in parents opting out of the vitamin K shot. Internationally, rates varied significantly, ranging from 1% to 3% in Canada, New Zealand, and Scotland, and exceeding 30% in some birthing centers, according to the research.
The Consequences of VKDB: A Serious Threat to Infant Health
The potential consequences of VKDB are severe. Researchers analyzing case series reports found that approximately 63% of infants who developed VKDB experienced brain bleeds. Around 40% faced long-term neurological disabilities, including cognitive impairment, seizures, or motor deficits, and tragically, 14% died. These findings underscore the critical role vitamin K plays in protecting newborns from devastating health outcomes.
A Link to Broader Healthcare Hesitancy
The rise in vitamin K refusal isn’t happening in isolation. The study suggests a strong correlation with broader healthcare hesitancy among parents. In the United States, parents who declined vitamin K for their babies were 90 times more likely to also refuse the hepatitis B vaccine and prophylactic eye medicine—a treatment designed to prevent potentially blinding infections in newborns. Similar patterns emerged internationally. In Canada, parents who refused vitamin K were 15 times more likely to not have their child vaccinated by 15 months of age. In New Zealand, that figure was 14 times more likely.
Researchers identified parental concerns about pain, preservatives, and inaccurate information as contributing factors to the increasing refusal rates. “Vitamin K at birth is safe and effective,” said study author Kate Semidey, MD, of Florida International University in Miami. “And while refusal is still uncommon…our review found in recent years, there have been increases in parents refusing this supplement for their newborns.”
The Importance of Prenatal Counseling
The study highlights the urgent need for healthcare professionals to proactively engage in prenatal counseling. “Our findings point to an urgent need for health care professionals to provide prenatal counseling to parents to ensure they understand that vitamin K can dramatically reduce preventable brain injury and its lifelong impact,” Semidey emphasized. Providing clear, evidence-based information about the benefits and risks of vitamin K supplementation can empower parents to craft informed decisions about their child’s health.
The researchers acknowledge a limitation in their study: it reviewed previously published research rather than following infants over time, meaning it doesn’t pinpoint the exact risk for any individual baby. Still, the collective evidence strongly supports the continued recommendation of vitamin K supplementation for all newborns.
For more information on brain health and neurological conditions, resources are available through Brain & Life®, a resource from the American Academy of Neurology.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
The American Academy of Neurology will present the full findings of this systematic review at its 78th Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 18-22, 2026. Further updates and detailed research findings will be available following the conference.
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