Rising hesitancy extends to newborn vitamin K, eye ointment, and vaccines
Doctors warn that growing anti-science sentiment and medical mistrust are prompting some parents to refuse routine newborn preventive measures beyond vaccines, including vitamin K injections and erythromycin eye ointment, with declines in hepatitis B vaccination also reported. A JAMA study found vitamin K refusals rose from 2.9% to 5.2% between 2017 and 2024. Experts say these refusals raise the risk of serious bleeding and preventable infections, and emphasize patient‑centered dialogue to address concerns and protect infants.