evidence: Although the vitamin K shot is safe and, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, has been routinely given to newborns at birth since 1961, some parents refuse the shot due to myths and misperceptions about its safety. This puts babies at risk for dangerous bleeding which can lead to brain damage and even death. As a healthcare provider, you are in a unique position to debunk these myths and misperceptions. Provide reliable information to parents about the benefits of vitamin K so that they can make the most informed choices about their child's medical care and protect them from potentially devastating health consequences. [...] Infants who do not get the vitamin K shot at birth are at 81 times greater risk for developing VKDB than infants who do get the shot. VKDB is effectively prevented by the vitamin K shot—incidence of late VKDB, the most concerning type, falls to less than 1 in 100,000 infants when vitamin K is given at birth.