health
Parents are refusing routine preventative care for newborns at rising rates, study finds
Updated on: March 21, 2026 / 8:12 AM EDT / AP
TL;DR
- Refusals of vitamin K shots for newborns have nearly doubled nationwide between 2017 and 2024.
- Parents who refuse vitamin K shots are also more likely to refuse other preventive measures like the hepatitis B vaccine and eye ointment.
- Factors contributing to these refusals include rising anti-science sentiment, medical mistrust, and misinformation spread on social media.
- Vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting and preventing dangerous bleeding in newborns, while eye ointment protects against infections that can cause blindness.
- The hepatitis B vaccine prevents a disease that can lead to severe liver complications.
- Doctors emphasize the importance of respectful conversations with parents to address their concerns and provide accurate information.
- Some parents cite a preference for 'natural' approaches or fear of side effects as reasons for refusal.