Patient perspectives of pain mitigation strategies for adult vaccine injections

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate an educational pamphlet that incorporates evidence-based pain mitigation strategies during adult vaccine injections and determine its effect on the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward use of such strategies among adults in the community receiving immunizations. Methods: An evidence-based pamphlet about how to reduce pain during vaccination in adults was distributed to a convenience sample of community sites that administer vaccines, including family physician offices, travel clinics, and pharmacies. Providers at the community sites distributed a baseline (pre) questionnaire followed by the pamphlet to study participants. Then participants were vaccinated. Six weeks later, participants were contacted to complete a follow-up (post) questionnaire. Participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding pain mitigation strategies for vaccine injections were evaluated before and after access to the pamphlet. Results: Seventy-four people receiving vaccines participated. Participants were predominantly university educated (69%) and female (66%), with a median age of 44.5 years (range, 18–71). Most participants received an injection at a travel or public health clinic (73%). Twenty-seven percent had prior accurate knowledge of pain mitigation strategies. Self-reported pain or fear of needle pain did not change from before access to the pamphlet to six weeks after. Twenty percent of participants used at least one strategy outlined in the pamphlet and found it helpful and 52% were interested in sharing the pamphlet with others. Conclusions: An educational pamphlet about vaccination pain mitigation resulted in a positive change in knowledge and attitudes around pain mitigation strategies. Further research is needed to explore long-term impact.