Abstract

Background: Child immunization is one of the most important preventitive healthcare practices that shields kids against numerous contagious diseases. Although the practice is associated with immense benefits and advantages, immunization is reportedly characterized by pain that tends to distress kids as well as parents. For this reason, the role of nurses or healthcare providers cannot be underestimated while addressing the issue of pain associated with immunization. Objective: The aims of this research were to assess the effectiveness of Helfer skin tap technique in pain reduction in infants that are vaccinated, and also to find the relationship between effectiveness and some sociodemographics in infants. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was implemented in primary health care centres within the Rusafa Health Sector in Baghdad Governorate on December 23, 2024, to June 22, 2025. The study included a population of 156 infants aged 2-6 months old, both sexes included, undergoing intramuscular injection immunization. The participants were distributed equally into two separate groups: an intervention group undergoing the ’Helfer skin tap technique,’ and another group following the usual method of vaccination. The information was collected through a questionnaire with items including parameters and FLACC scales. Results: Severe pain response was observed in all babies in the control group with a mean FLACC pain scale of \(7.71 \pm 0.824\). However, the babies who received the Helfer skin tap technique showed moderate pain. A statistically significant association was also found between pain and the type of vaccine used. Conclusion: The result reveals that skin tap Helfer skin technique is an efficient non-pharmacological strategy to alleviate immunization pain among infants. Recommendations: It should be recommended that nurses and vaccination team members are educated on non-pharmacological pain relief methods, as well as Helfer skin tap techniques, to enhance pain relief during infant vaccinations.