Vitamin K shot

I was told that the baby gets a vitamin K shot at the hospital and an option to get the Hep B. I spoke to the pediatrician regarding the Hep B but I forgot to ask him about the Vitamin K....

Is this shot optional? If so...did you get it and why?

Thanks in advance

Re: Vitamin K shot

I think your baby is required to have this shot.

Vitamin K is given to newborns shortly after birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn. Vitamin K is essential for the formation of clotting factors.

Vitamin K administration is recommended by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Re: Vitamin K shot

Re: Vitamin K shot

I am not positive, but I think Vitamin K is not optional. It is given to prevent hemmorage in new babies. Since there was an elevated risk of this in my baby due to a health issue I had, I didn't think about skipping this shot.

The Hep B shot is very optional. My ped recommended waiting until 2 months for the first round unless I have Hep B (I do not). I did decide to wait, he seemed very young to be getting this shot and he's not at risk of contracting it yet.

Re: Vitamin K shot