Doctors across the nation are alarmed that skepticism fueled by rising anti-science sentiment and medical mistrust is increasingly reaching beyond vaccines to other proven, routine, preventive care for babies.
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which analyzed more than 5 million births nationwide, found that refusals of vitamin K shots nearly doubled between 2017 and 2024, from 2.9% to 5.2%. Other research suggests that parents who decline vitamin K shots are much more likely to refuse getting their newborns the hepatitis B vaccine and an eye ointment to prevent potentially blinding infections. Rates for that vaccination at birth dropped in recent years, and doctors confirm that more parents are refusing the eye medication.
“I do think these families care deeply about their infants,” said Dr. Kelly Wade, a Philadelphia neonatologist. “But I hear from families that it’s hard to make decisions right now because they’re hearing conflicting information.”
Great points, and as a citizen of the US, I often forget that many don’t have access to the healthcare me and my peers do, nor is everyone lucky to have the amazing doctors I’ve had. I too have been feeling very scared and often sad; I try to stay logical and seek positive solutions I can apply, BUT IT IS HARD. The general feeling of malaise has thickened the air. I also have more knowledge in some scientific fields than the average person, and logic has always been my comfort and bedrock, so seeking doctors’ advice gives me solace. Focusing on local communities can cause one to forget how a larger population can be affected or how they may respond.
Seems to me that since our “dear leader” is unapologetically trashy, it gives the general population permission to forgo respect or civility. It’s frustrating and can make those of us who try to maintain decorum feel like we are going insane.