Vitamin K Shot

I was just told that when my baby is born he will get a shot of vitamin K right away for his blood. Does anyone know more about this? Is this something we can say no to? It sounds to me that this is something new.

Re: Vitamin K Shot

As long as you are delivering in a hospital or birthign center you can NOT refuse the vitamin K shot or erythromycin. You can only refuse it at a home birth.

It is not a new thing, its been around since the 1950's, it is a state mandate injection.

The injection is given to babies after birth because they don't have vitamin K stores which are crucial in blood clotting. The studies are still pretty old and there are some controversies on mandating the shot for everyone and some of the side efects.

FOr the most part it is a safe injection that does more good then harm

You can get a lot of info on it by doing a google search

Edited for spelling

Message edited 9/25/2008 2:29:56 PM.

Re: Vitamin K Shot

Thanks for the info!!!

Re: Vitamin K Shot

no problem!

Re: Vitamin K Shot

if you refuse it, it is reported as 'child neglect'.

As the OP said, it's rather important. Frankly, while I am VERY weary of Scone getting 3 dozen immunizations prior to age 2, I see nothing wrong with a vit. k shot..... it REALLY helps the little ones out and doesn't have any possible negative effects as far as I know.

I WILL refuse any immunizations in the hospital. My ped is in charge of that, and we discussed at length that Scone will receive ONLY 2 shots prior to age 2... He'll receive the remaining necessary immunizations once his immune system and brain have matured a bit