Pediatrics: Lillian Beard, M.D.
Should I be concerned about the potential side effects of vaccines?
By Lillian Beard, M.D.
The most common side effects of vaccines include redness and tenderness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, some irritability, and perhaps a rash. If any reaction occurs that concerns you, definitely speak with your child's doctor.
Of greater concern is if your child is not vaccinated. This puts her at risk of contracting one or more diseases that can seriously infect and impair her. During your child's first two years, she should receive immunizations to protect her from the ten most common infectious and communicable diseases: diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, haemophilus influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and chicken pox. Your child's pediatrician can explain the major concerns about each of these diseases, and why the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages all parents to provide the maximum protection available against them.
Lillian Beard, M.D.
Pediatrics
Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American
Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical
professor at the George Washington University School
of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.
She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national
television programs, discussing issues related to children's health.
Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.
