All infants are given vitamin K after birth. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to bleedings that can cause life-long disability. In the Netherlands, vitamin K is administered orally. In its advice to the minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, the Health Council of the Netherlands recommends switching to a single intramuscular injection of vitamin K shortly after birth for breast-fed infants. This provides better protection against bleedings.
Download: Summary Vitamin K for infants
Download: Advisory report Vitamin K for infants
Download: Background document Number of preventable vitamin K deficiency bleeding cases
Download: Letter of submission Vitamin K for infants
Download: Committee Vitamin K for infants
Download: Request for advice Vitamin K for infants