Neonates are born with low Vitamin K stores, placing them at risk of Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). Prophylaxis at or shortly after birth is the standard clinical response. Route of administration and individual circumstances determine which approach applies.
Intramuscular Vitamin K administration is the recognised gold standard and is recommended as soon as practicable after birth. When the intramuscular route is declined, an oral regimen is available as an alternative — the appropriate schedule depends on the infant's weight, feeding method, and family circumstances. The full structured protocol specifies the complete decision pathway.