Effectiveness of Sucrose Versus Traditional Comfort Measures in Reducing Pain During Infant Vaccinations

Abstract

Infant vaccinations are among the most common sources of procedural pain and distress for infants, parents, and healthcare providers. Effective pain management is essential for enhancing clinical experiences, alleviating parental anxiety, and promoting adherence to recommended immunization schedules. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of traditional non-pharmacological comfort measures compared with oral sucrose administration in reducing pain and parental concern during routine infant vaccinations. Guided by the following PICO question that was formulated and discussed in a real clinical setting: In infants aged 6–12 months, does administering a sucrose mixture, compared with traditional comfort methods, reduce pain and parental concern during immunizations? A comprehensive literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies published within the last two decades. In most studies, pain outcomes were assessed using validated instruments, including the Modified Behavioural Pain Scale, Neonatal Infant Pain Scale, and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) scale, as well as measures of crying duration and behavioural distress. Findings indicate that both sucrose and traditional comfort measures significantly reduce procedural pain, with the greatest analgesic effect observed when these interventions are combined. Evidence further supports the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of oral sucrose, with no documented long-term adverse neurodevelopmental effects. These findings underscore the critical role of nurses in advocating for evidence-based pain management and educating caregivers to ensure consistent implementation in clinical practice, and improving adherence to recommended immunization schedules across diverse healthcare settings worldwide.