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Are Vitamin K Injection And Hepatitis B Vaccine Effective For Newborns?

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Posted on Mon, 4 May 2015
Question: Right after birth is vitamin k shot, antibiotic eye drops and Hepatitis B vaccination necessary? Is it okay to decline these for the newborn?
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Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No, It is recommended by XXXXXXX academy of pediatrics

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Informed consent of guardian is needed for any kind of treatment.
The Vit K injection,Hepatitis B vaccination and even antibiotic eye drops;a new born should receive all these, as it is recommended by XXXXXXX academy of pediatrics(AAP).
There is a genuine reason for this recommendation.It has been found that up to 2 % of new born may develop bleeding within first week of birth due to deficiency of Vit K(Classical hemorrhagic disease of new born).It can be prevented very well by giving Vit K injection.It is recommended by AAP since 1961 and in a recently revised recommendation it should be given to every new born as it has negligible side effect.
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for every one(few exception are there),even in adults(if not vaccinated previously).Hepatitis B vaccination prevents hepatitis,liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.So better to give in early life before exposure to hepatitis virus.It is also recommended in a recent guideline.

Now coming to antibiotic eye drops.There has been various studies and it has been found that instillation of drops is advantageous in comparison to denying it.
It prevents the baby from neonatorum conjunctivitis. Mother may be asymptomatic and yet baby can develop this infection.There is no harm in giving this antibiotic drops as it is applied locally and systemic absorption is very less.
I hope this answers your query.
So I would suggest you get all these and don't decline.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2074 Questions

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Are Vitamin K Injection And Hepatitis B Vaccine Effective For Newborns?

Brief Answer: No, It is recommended by XXXXXXX academy of pediatrics Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query Informed consent of guardian is needed for any kind of treatment. The Vit K injection,Hepatitis B vaccination and even antibiotic eye drops;a new born should receive all these, as it is recommended by XXXXXXX academy of pediatrics(AAP). There is a genuine reason for this recommendation.It has been found that up to 2 % of new born may develop bleeding within first week of birth due to deficiency of Vit K(Classical hemorrhagic disease of new born).It can be prevented very well by giving Vit K injection.It is recommended by AAP since 1961 and in a recently revised recommendation it should be given to every new born as it has negligible side effect. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for every one(few exception are there),even in adults(if not vaccinated previously).Hepatitis B vaccination prevents hepatitis,liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.So better to give in early life before exposure to hepatitis virus.It is also recommended in a recent guideline. Now coming to antibiotic eye drops.There has been various studies and it has been found that instillation of drops is advantageous in comparison to denying it. It prevents the baby from neonatorum conjunctivitis. Mother may be asymptomatic and yet baby can develop this infection.There is no harm in giving this antibiotic drops as it is applied locally and systemic absorption is very less. I hope this answers your query. So I would suggest you get all these and don't decline. Regards