Simple toys may take the sting out of shots for young children
NCT ID NCT07669961
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests two simple, non-drug methods to help children aged 3-6 feel less pain and fear during a routine vaccination. One group of children will look at colorful distraction cards, while the other group will squeeze a special toy designed to help manage emotions. Researchers will measure pain and fear levels before, during, and after the shot to see which approach works better.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- distraction cards and emotion-regulation squeeze toy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer parents and nurses a simple, drug-free way to make childhood vaccinations less painful and scary.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study (68 children) comparing two active methods, so it won't show if either is better than no distraction. Results may not apply to all children or settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 68 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2026
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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4 to 7 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Child aged 4-7 years * Child with need or plan for intramuscular vaccination Exclusion Criteria: * Child with a neurodegenerative disease, mental retardation, vision and hearing problems, chronic, life-threatening (sepsis, shock, respiratory / cardiac arrest) or genetic disease * Child with use of opioids, narcotics, analgesics or sedatives in the last 24 hours before the procedure
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Mersin University Hospital
RECRUITINGMersin, Province, 33343, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Virtual reality may offer drug-free pain relief during prenatal needle procedures
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- Virtual reality may replace painkillers during procedures