Recommendation discrepancies between vaccine licensure and vaccination practices: knowledge, practice, and attitude of healthcare providers

Objectives: This study aimed to identify discrepancies between Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) vaccine licensure indications and directorate of communicable diseases (DCD) on immunization practices recommendations and assess the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of healthcare providers regarding these discrepancies. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: Data was extracted from Jordan National Drug Formulary documents, and corresponding information was collected from the DCD at the ministry of health and the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group. Self-administered Survey was used to assess knowledge and practices of paediatricians and gynaecologists related to vaccine licensure indications and recommendations differences. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: Twelve cases of discrepancies were identified and, mainly were related to age indications, administration schedules, and management differences. The survey included 116 gynaecologists and 100 paediatricians with an overall response rate of approximately 46% and 50%, respectively. A total of fifty-nine gynaecologists (50.9%) correctly responded that only the JFDA licensure indications in the package inserts were required before vaccines may be marketed and only 44 paediatricians (n=44, 44%) correctly responded that only the DCD at the ministry of health is the lead organization that makes recommendations for vaccine use in Jordan. Analysis shows that only 64.7% (n=75) of gynaecologists and one-third (n=27, 27%) of paediatricians were aware of the differences between JFDA licensure and the DCD at the ministry of health recommendations for any specific vaccine. Most gynaecologists (n=81, 69.8%) and almost half of the paediatricians (n=46, 46%) stated that they follow publications from specific guidelines as the primary source of information on immunization schedules and vaccine recommendations. Conclusions: The findings suggest a need for better communication and coordination between regulatory bodies and healthcare providers to ensure consistent and evidence-based immunization practices..