U.S. newborn vitamin K refusals rise 57% in first half of 2026, increasing bleeding risk
Hospital records show the share of infants not receiving the recommended vitamin K injection within a day of birth climbed to 8.1% by June, up 57% from January, heightening the risk of severe bleeding.
Hospital data covering more than one million births indicate that the proportion of newborns who did not receive the standard vitamin K shot within 24 hours rose sharply in the first half of 2026. The rate increased by 57% from January to June, reaching 8.1% compared with 5.2% six months earlier, according to health-data firm Truveta.
The CDC continues to recommend the injection, noting that infants lack sufficient vitamin K for clotting and remain vulnerable for up to six months. Without the shot, the agency estimates the risk of life-threatening bleeding in the brain or gut is 81 times higher, and one in 59 affected infants may die.
Pediatric leaders said the trend reflects growing parental hesitancy toward routine newborn interventions. > "It’s really terrifying. It’s like we’re going backwards," said Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, a pediatric physician-scientist at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Dr. Karen Puopolo, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Fetus and Newborn, noted that clinicians are encountering more families who reject evidence-based advice.
The analysis also found a gender disparity: in June 2026, 8.9% of girls and 7.3% of boys had not received vitamin K, suggesting that female infants may be disproportionately affected.
Health officials said the Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC are reviewing the data and will continue to provide information to parents and providers. Representative Kim Schrier and Senator Angela Alsobrooks have urged the CDC to begin systematic tracking of vitamin K refusals and related bleeding events.
Some pediatric practices have begun offering the injection in outpatient settings as refusals become more common. Dr. Amanda Furr of Zarminali Pediatrics said her network now stocks the shot in all primary-care offices.
Clinicians also reported that hospitals often require vitamin K before performing newborn circumcisions, leading some parents to consent to the injection to proceed with the procedure.