Q: I am pregnant and having my baby in a hospital or birthing center. Do I have the right to take my baby home without a hepatitis B, RSV, and Vitamin K shot? Can my newborn be taken from me if I refuse these shots?
Many hospitals and birthing centers, as a routine matter, administer the hepatitis b vaccine and vitamin K shots based on what is known as "standing orders," which are written orders in place from the time of admission to check you and your baby's vital signs, administer certain medications and emergency treatments, and when to contact the doctor or nurse midwife if specific circumstances arise. The recently approved RSV monoclonal antibody shot may also be subject to standing orders for your newborn. Pediatricians can change one or more "standing orders" for a particular baby.
Routinely administered care is not necessarily the most appropriate or best care for all mothers and babies. If you would prefer that your baby not be given the hepatitis b vaccine, RSV monoclonal antibody shot, and/or the vitamin K shot after birth in a hospital or birthing center, you should discuss this with your health care facility where the birth will take place, as well as with your chosen birthing health care providers to ask that the "standing orders" for your baby be written accordingly.
NVIC has received reports that newborns have been given hepatitis B vaccinations in newborn nurseries without parental knowledge or consent and in violation of written requests for no vaccination. It is a good idea to keep your newborn with you at all times in the hospital or have a trusted family member stay with your infant while you are napping to ensure that your baby is not vaccinated without your knowledge or consent before discharge.
Below is additional information that may be helpful.
