In recent years there's been a resurgence of critics of the Vitamin K shot given infants (neonates) at birth. Most of the controversy revolves around the aluminum in the injection.
Infants don't receive enough Vitamin K from their mothers, and without enough of the vitamin, their clotting mechanisms are insufficient to prevent brain bleeds and other loss of blood. Parents should have the ultimate say in their child's medical treatments, but they should also be making informed decisions. For those who don't want the shot, oral drops are available. This treatment is administered immediately after birth, with a second dosage in five days and a third in 30 days. There are studies which show the oral treatment is not as effective.
Speak to your physician about this treatment if you feel this is better for your child. He or she should be happy to discuss it with you and honor your request.
Now, as to the aluminum in the shot? The medication contains .05 microgram of the metal. A microgram is 1/1000 of a milligram. Think about that.
Next we'll be looking at aluminum in various vaccines. If you truly have a problem with vaccines and how they can adversely affect your child, do some informed reading.
Until next time...
I'm Nurse Nan wishing your infants a happy childhood.
