Governing off-label vaccine use: An environmental scan of the Global National Immunization Technical Advisory Group Network

Karina A. Top, Abdoulreza Esteghamati, Melissa Kervin, Louise Henaff, Janice E. Graham, Noni E. MacDonald

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: National Regulatory Authorities approve the indications for vaccine use in the product information. Occasionally, National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) make off-label recommendations for use in different age groups, populations, and dosing schedules from the product information. We sought to determine the rationale, policies and procedures for NITAG off-label recommendations. Methods: We conducted an environmental scan of Global NITAG Network members, immunization program managers and regulators in 38 high-, middle- and low-income countries. Participants completed an online survey regarding policies, procedures, and legislation governing development of off-label recommendations. A sub-sample of respondents met for a focus group and interviews which were analyzed qualitatively. Results: Thirty-four people responded from 26/38 (68%) countries surveyed; 76% of respondents were NITAG members or immunization program managers. Recommendations for off-label vaccine use were made in 14/26 (54%) countries; the NITAG made those recommendations in 8/14 (57%) countries. Reasons for off-label vaccine recommendations included response to disease outbreaks or vaccine shortages. Only one country had standard operating procedures for developing off-label recommendations while 6/14 (43%) countries had policies for implementing off-label recommendations. Nine respondents from 8 countries agreed to participate in a focus group (n = 6) or individual interviews (n = 3). Barriers to off-label recommendations included legal concerns, lack of standard definition for off-label use, and manufacturer reluctance to update product information. Facilitators included confidence in the decision-making process, and transparency of open communication among stakeholders. Conclusions: Best practice guidelines are needed that define off-label use and outline a transparent, evidence-based approach to develop off-label recommendations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1089-1095
Number of pages7
JournalVaccine
Volume38
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 29 2020

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (contract # 4500371527 ). Appendix A

Funding Information:
The authors gratefully acknowledge the expert assistance of Poh Chua (Dalhousie), Kelly LeFurgey and Michael Best (Canadian Center for Vaccinology) as well as the dedication of the Global NITAG Network and study participants. This study was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (contract # 4500371527).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Elsevier Ltd

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Veterinary
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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