title: Therapeutic play: preparing the child for the vaccine.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify and compare behaviors of children during vaccination, who were prepared or not for the procedure using an instructional therapeutic play.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quasi experimental study, with quantitative approach of 60 children aged 3 to 6 years. The child's reactions were recorded in a checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and Fisher's test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The main reactions in the experimental group were stay still (25;83%) and spontaneously collaborate (24;80%). In the control group, the main reactions were cries and cling to parents (15; 50%), flushing (11;36.67%) and moving the body/agitated (10;33.3%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The reactions of cooperation were more frequent in the experimental group, while low acceptance was observed only in the control group. Therapeutic play has proved an important tool in preparing for the vaccine.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Jéssica Etienne Dourado
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Pontes
authors.affiliation: Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tabet
authors.affiliation: Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Áurea Dos Santos
authors.initials: MÁ
authors.lastname: Folkmann
authors.affiliation: Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mariana Lucas da Rocha
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Cunha
authors.affiliation: Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fabiane de Amorim
authors.initials: Fde A
authors.lastname: Almeida
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D065228:Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010989:Play Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*