Compliance with semiotics nursing procedures in the administration of vaccines via intramuscular injections in children

Objective: To analyze compliance with nursing semiotics procedures in the administration of vaccines via intramuscular injections in children. Method: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2024 at a Basic Health Unit in the coastal lowlands of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A checklist was used to observe compliance with semiotics procedures in the pre-administration, administration, and post-administration phases of vaccine administration. Descriptive analyses and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare means. Results: A total of 302 vaccinations were observed, with 97% administered by nursing technicians. The average compliance with the checklist was 68.4%, with the highest average for the triple bacterial vaccine (72.8%). In most observations, we found a lack of hand hygiene, inadequate use of personal protective equipment, and a lack of guidance and surveillance regarding events supposedly attributable to vaccination or immunization. Conclusion: Compliance with nursing semiotics procedures in vaccine administration was unsatisfactory. Educational interventions that promote professional training and ensure safety in vaccine administration are necessary.