The Effect of the Helfer Skin Tap and Buzzy Application on Vaccination Pain, Fear and Crying Duration

Buzzy the Bee will be attached to the leg where the 9-month-old infant-included in this group by the researcher-is to receive the vaccine. Thanks to its cold wings and vibration, Buzzy the Bee reduces pain; it helps distract attention during the vaccination process, thereby alleviating feelings of pain and fear. Buzzy the Bee will be secured 5 cm above the injection site, and the nurse will administer the vaccine after a 15-second wait.

HST technique maneuvers will be applied to the 9-month-old infants in this group during vaccination. HST consists of a four-stage tapping sequence. The administering nurse will perform approximately 10 taps over a 5-second period using the palmar surface of the dominant hand's fingers to relax the leg muscles at the injection site (Stage 1). Following skin disinfection, the nurse will position the thumb and index finger of the non-dominant hand in a V-shape and perform 3 taps on the injection site using the palmar surface of those fingers (Stage 2). Simultaneously with the third tap, the nurse will insert the needle into the muscle at a 90-degree angle while continuing to tap the skin lightly with the palmar surface of the non-dominant hand's fingers (Stage 3). Once the medication has been fully administered, the nurse will perform 3 taps on the skin with the palmar surface of the non-dominant hand's fingers and withdraw the needle simultaneously with the final tap (Stage 4).

Ege University