The Claim in Context
Vitamin K injections, erythromycin antibiotic ointment, and the hepatitis B vaccine are all parts of routine preventive care babies typically receive shortly after birth in the U.S. However, misleading claims circulating about these newborn care practices may leave new parents and caregivers confused about best practices to keep their babies safe and healthy. Because babies are born with very low levels of vitamin K, a routine vitamin K injection helps protect newborns from developing a dangerous bleeding disorder called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
Key Facts
- Vitamin K is a naturally occurring nutrient typically found in foods like vegetables, meat, dairy, and eggs, and is also produced by intestinal bacteria. The vitamin helps the body form blood clots to stop bleeding.
- However, all babies are born with low levels of vitamin K in their bodies. This is because, unlike other nutrients, vitamin K doesn’t pass through the placenta easily. While breastmilk contains many necessary nutrients, it does not contain enough vitamin K to protect babies from developing VKDB.
- Without a vitamin K shot, babies are 81 times more likely to develop VKDB. One in five (20%) of babies who develop VKDB will die.
- VKDB can develop quickly both internally and externally. Internal bleeding in the intestines or brain is particularly dangerous for babies, since parents and caregivers cannot see it happening.
- Babies are at risk of developing VKDB up to 6 months of age when they typically begin eating solid foods that contain vitamin K, and their gut microbiomes develop.
- The vitamin K shot protects babies in two important ways: part of the dose is immediately absorbed in a newborn’s bloodstream, and the rest is stored in the liver and released slowly, providing a steady supply of vitamin K.
- Experts recommend an intramuscular vitamin K injection instead of an oral dose because the medicine can be absorbed inconsistently when administered orally and requires multiple doses over several months.
Evidence Snapshot
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has endorsed the vitamin K administration policy for over 50 years. It is proven to be safe and effective in decreasing VKDB in newborns. In the 1990s there was concern about a possible association between the vitamin K shot and childhood cancer. Scientists conducted multiple large-scale studies to research this possible association but have found no evidence to support this concern. While some countries outside of the U.S. sometimes administer vitamin K orally, it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and it is less effective than an intramuscular injection.
Experts Say:
“Because all babies are born with low levels of vitamin K in their bodies, they are more susceptible to developing dangerous bleeding disorders like vitamin K deficiency bleeding, an uncommon but life-threatening condition. The good news is that there is a proven way to keep newborn babies safe and healthy: an injection of vitamin K administered after birth gives babies the protection they need until they can develop sufficient stores of this vitamin on their own. Parents and caregivers with questions or concerns should talk with their OBGYN and child’s pediatrician about the benefits of vitamin K.”
— Karen Puopolo, MD, PhD, FAAP, Chair, AAP Committee on the Fetus and Newborn
Why It Matters
Rates of vitamin K refusal have been rising for several years—in 2024 more than 5 percent of newborns did not receive a vitamin K injection, up from 2.9 percent in 2017. This has led to an increase in the number of babies who develop late-onset VKDB. Infants diagnosed with VKDB often present with brain hemorrhages, internal bleeding, and about 1 in 5 of these babies will die. Babies who survive VKDB often require treatment including blood transfusions and surgery, and can suffer permanent disabilities and brain damage.
Resources for Further Information
Last Updated
05/26/2026
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics