In Alberta, healthcare professionals are observing a troubling trend among new parents who are increasingly hesitant or refusing to consent to vitamin K injections for their newborns, a practice long considered standard. Canadian infants typically receive vitamin K shots shortly after birth due to their naturally low levels of the vitamin, crucial for blood clotting to prevent severe bleeding. The Canadian Paediatric Society, in alignment with various reputable medical bodies, advises administering the shot within six hours of delivery.
Dr. Stephanie Cooper, a high-risk obstetrician based in Calgary, has noticed a significant rise in parents expressing reluctance towards the vitamin K injection without providing clear reasons for their apprehension. Some individuals are being influenced by misinformation circulating on social media platforms like TikTok, with misconceptions linking the injection to autism. Dr. Cooper expressed concerns about the growing trend of individuals making health decisions based on unsubstantiated sources rather than scientific evidence, emphasizing the potential risks and tragic outcomes that may result from such choices.
Babies are born with insufficient levels of vitamin K, a vital element for blood clotting, as the nutrient is minimally transmitted through the placenta. Breast milk does not contain substantial amounts of vitamin K, and newborns take time to develop the ability to produce it naturally. Dr. Carrah Bouma, a pediatrician in Calgary, underscored the long-standing safety record of vitamin K injections, which have been a standard practice in Canada since the 1980s and recommended since the 1960s. Infants who do not receive the vitamin K shot are at risk of spontaneous bleeding, including severe complications such as gut and brain bleeds that could lead to lifelong impairments.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control warns of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a condition that can manifest in infants during the first six months of life, potentially resulting in brain damage or fatality. Dr. Bouma and other medical professionals caution that infants refusing the vitamin K shot may face heightened risks of hemorrhaging during medical procedures like circumcisions. Despite the majority of families opting for the vitamin K shot, Dr. Bouma has observed a growing hesitancy among some parents who prefer oral medication over injections, a practice not endorsed by the Canadian Paediatric Society due to its diminished effectiveness in preventing bleeding complications.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has also flagged an uptick in parental resistance to vitamin K injections in recent years, leading to an increase in cases of late-onset VKDB. Public data indicates a rise in vitamin K uptake among Alberta newborns from 92.76% in 2007 to 95.71% in 2023. Despite this positive trend, concerns remain about pockets of higher refusal rates in specific regions like Grand Prairie County and the Calgary and Red Deer areas, prompting calls for enhanced parental education on the critical health benefits of vitamin K administration.
