Effect of a Non-pharmacological Intervention on Vaccine-related Pain: Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

BackgroundAcute pain during vaccine administration is an expected event; however, some strategies, such as the use of high frequency vibration devices associated with cryotherapy, may minimize it. AimEvaluate the effect of high frequency vibration associated with cryotherapy on the level of pain related to the administration of influenza vaccine by intramuscular route in adults. MethodA randomized clinical trial was conducted with 350 adults who received the influenza vaccine. Participants allocated to the intervention group used a high-frequency vibration device associated with cryotherapy during vaccination, and those in the control group administered the vaccine according to the service routine. ResultsMean self-reported pain after vaccination of participants who used the device was lower (1.5 ±1.7) when compared to those who did not use it (1.9 ±1.9) (p = .041). There was an association of higher levels of pain after vaccination with participants in the control group (p = .011), females (p = .042), with higher level of pain expected with vaccination (p < .001) and higher level of anxiety before (p < .001) and after vaccination (p = .001). ConclusionsThe use of high frequency vibration associated with cryotherapy has been shown to be a viable non-pharmacological intervention for the reduction of pain associated with influenza vaccination in adults.