Applying Lessons from Vaccination Hesitancy to Address Birth Dose Vitamin K Refusal: Where Has the Trust Gone?

Authors

Shetal I. Shah, New York Medical CollegeFollow
Heather L. Brumberg, New York Medical CollegeFollow
Edmund F. La Gamma, New York Medical CollegeFollow

DOI

10.1016/j.semperi.2020.151242

Journal Title

Seminars in Perinatology

First Page

151242

Last Page

151242

Document Type

Review Article

Publication Date

6-2020

Department

Pediatrics

Second Department

Health Behavior and Community Health

Abstract

Refusal of intramuscular Vitamin K at birth is an emerging public health issue resulting in increased rates of intracranial bleeding. Parents who refuse this intervention bear epidemiologic resemblance to vaccine-refusing parents, are geographically clustered and share a mistrust of public health interventions. We review the prevalence of Vitamin K refusal and discuss individual and societal recommendations that may reduce Vitamin K refusal, adapted from vaccine hesitancy literature. We note the prevalence of misinformation on social media as a contributor to refusal and explore how changes in healthcare practices may influence growing physician mistrust. We propose solutions to the issue including state-based mandates and a pervasive social media strategy to combat misinformation as a contributor to Vitamin K refusal.

Recommended Citation

Shah, S. I., Brumberg, H. L., & La Gamma, E. F. (2020). Applying Lessons from Vaccination Hesitancy to Address Birth Dose Vitamin K Refusal: Where Has the Trust Gone?. Seminars in Perinatology, 44 (4), 151242-151242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semperi.2020.151242