Dr. Niran Al-Agba

The Race Toward an Effective Coronavirus Vaccine

Creation of a COVID-19 vaccine is the crown jewel of the White House’s COVID-19 response. President Trump unrealistically named the tedious and time-consuming endeavor “Operation Warp Speed.” To be licensed for use, a novel vaccine must be tested for safety, immune system reactivity, and protective value in humans, which can take up to 10-15 years. Unlike medications, which treat patients with a medical condition, vaccines are given to healthy people, therefore the safety margin must be extraordinarily high.

Niran Al-Agba2020-10-26T01:26:15+00:00October 26, 2020|Categories: Patient, Policy|Tags: AstraZeneca, Covid-19, FDA, Immunization, Johnson and Johnson, Vaccine|

Immunizations Are About Trust and Science: My Alternative Vaccine Schedule

I believe in parent choice and do not believe in mandates when discussing healthcare. Patients must have autonomy. I use an alternative vaccination schedule when my vaccine-hesitant families request it. Mine evolved over time to complete most of the required vaccinations by the time a child is 2 years old. It is not “evidence-based”, the catchphrase we use to say something is scientifically proven safe and effective. However, it is rooted in something I value highly as a pediatrician – trust, open communication, and compromise.

Niran Al-Agba2020-05-03T16:15:45+00:00May 9, 2016|Categories: Patient, Practice|Tags: Immunization, Patient Physician Relationship, Vaccine|