“Vaccination related pain: randomized controlled trial, comparison of pain of two injection techniquesâ€

Methodology: In this Randomised Controlled Trial, source of data were 200 healthy infants of age group 6 weeks to one and half years, receiving routine intramuscular vaccination. They were divided randomly using computer generated random numbers into Standard group receiving immunisation using standard slow technique with aspiration and Pragmatic group receiving immunisation using “pragmatic†technique without aspiration. The entire vaccination procedure was videotaped. Videos were scored for pain using Modified Behavior Pain Score by 2 clinical psychologists and the mean score was considered for analysis. Pain was scored within 15 s of the immunization were measured and described the child’s maximal pain response to the injection. Cry time was measured from the start of cry till it ends by a different person. Entire data was entered in a preformed proforma. The Z test for two sample population means was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Standard technique required a longer duration (5-10 sec) when compared to pragmatic technique (1-2 sec). Mean Post vaccination MBPS in standard Group was 8.4 and in Pragmatic Group was 7.8 which was statistically significant. Crying duration in pragmatic group was less (32.1 sec) than standard group (37.37sec).

Conclusion: The “standard†slow technique was significantly more painful and took longer to administer than the “pragmatic†rapid technique.