Nonpharmacological Methods for Reducing Parental Concern for Infant Vaccine-Associated Pain

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous studies demonstrate that parental concern for infant pain contributes to vaccine hesitancy. The purpose of this project was to alleviate parental concern for pain and facilitate infant immunization.

Method: Pediatric nurses at an urban ambulatory clinic implemented evidence-based nonpharmacological methods (breastfeeding or 24% sucrose solution) for managing vaccine pain in infants aged up to 6 months. A validated survey measured parental concern for vaccine-related pain before and after the implementation of pain relief interventions.

Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in parental concern for vaccine pain from pre- to postintervention between both treatment groups (p = .035).

Discussion: Nurses can effectively use nonpharmacological methods to alleviate the pain of infants undergoing routine vaccination while reducing the parental concern for vaccine-associated pain. Reducing infant pain and parental concern may increase vaccination rates.

Keywords: Vaccination; infants; nonpharmacological; pain management; vaccine hesitancy.