Using ShotBlocker to reduce pain during Hepatitis B vaccination in newborns

The Effect of ShotBlocker on Pain in Full Term Infants Undergoing Intramuscular Injection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University of Massachusetts, Worcester · NCT06624176

This study tests if using the ShotBlocker can help reduce pain for healthy newborns getting their first Hepatitis B vaccine when combined with other comfort techniques.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages37 Weeks to 42 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Massachusetts, Worcester (other)
Drugs / interventionsNirsevimab
Locations1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06624176 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of the Bionix ShotBlocker in reducing pain during the administration of the first Hepatitis B vaccine in healthy newborns. The study combines the use of ShotBlocker with established pain management techniques, such as swaddling and oral sucrose, to enhance comfort during injections. The hypothesis is that the addition of ShotBlocker will further lessen the pain response compared to standard care alone. The trial is conducted at UMass Memorial Medical Center, focusing on term infants who meet specific health criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy term infants born at UMass Memorial Medical Center who are under the care of the nursery team.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with congenital abnormalities, skin integrity issues, or those who have received sedatives recently.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain experienced by newborns during vaccinations, improving their overall experience and comfort.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar pain management techniques in neonates, suggesting potential for success with this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Infants born at UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC) via vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery and under the care of the nursery team
* Term infants (37 to 42 weeks gestational age)
* No acute illness that causes pain
* Apgar score above 7 at 5 minutes
* Have successfully attempted at least one oral feeding
* No circumcision in the last 6 hours
* Parental consent for Hepatitis B vaccine

Exclusion Criteria:

* Swallow dysfunction
* Congenital or genetic abnormalities
* Infants who were exposed to sedatives within the last 12 hours
* Infants with skin on thigh, hand, or foot that is not intact
* Diagnosis of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
* Infants who are simultaneously receiving Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin or Nirsevimab (RSV vaccine)
* Department of Children and Families (DCF) custody

Where this trial is running

Worcester, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Neonatal Pain, ShotBlocker, Needlestick

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.