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Nonpharmacological Interventions on Intramuscular Vaccination Pain among Infants: A Systematic Review and

Kurvatteppa Halemani1, Elsa Vitale2, Asha Shetty3

  • 1College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raebareli UP, India.

Journal of Caring Sciences
|November 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Non-pharmacological interventions like breastfeeding and sucrose significantly reduce infant vaccination pain. These noninvasive methods offer effective analgesia with minimal side effects for children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Pain Management
  • Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

  • Vaccination pain is a primary source of distress for infants and parents.
  • Non-pharmacological interventions demonstrate a significant impact on mitigating this pain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze evidence on non-pharmacological interventions for vaccine-related pain in infants.
  • To appraise the effectiveness of various non-pharmacological methods in reducing infant pain during vaccinations.

Main Methods:

  • Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and Cochrane recommendations.
  • Comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, Clinical Key).
  • Random-effects model meta-analysis of 19 trials involving 1,739 infants, with subgroup analyses presented in forest plots.

Main Results:

  • Breastfeeding (SMD -3.28) and sucrose (SMD -2.22) showed significant pain reduction.
  • Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) (SMD -1.1) and hot/cold applications (SMD -1.14) also demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain.
  • Pooled data analysis from 19 trials confirmed the efficacy of these interventions.

Conclusions:

  • Noninvasive therapies including breastfeeding, massage, sucrose, KMC, and heat/cold applications are effective in reducing infant vaccination pain.
  • Non-pharmacological interventions serve as ideal analgesics for children, exhibiting fewer side effects compared to other methods.
Abstract

Keywords:
InfantsPainPharmacologicalTherapeutic interventionsVaccine

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