Each year thousands of adults in the United States get sick from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines — some people are hospitalized, and some even die. People with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) are at higher risk for serious problems from certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Getting vaccinated is an important step in staying healthy. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about getting your vaccinations up-to-date.
Why Vaccines are Important for You
• Diabetes, even if well managed, can make it harder for your immune system to fight infections, so you may be at risk for more serious complications from an illness compared to people without diabetes.
o Some illnesses, like influenza, can raise your blood glucose to dangerously high levels.
o People with diabetes have higher rates of hepatitis B than the rest of the population. Outbreaks of hepatitis B associated with blood glucose monitoring procedures have happened among people with diabetes.
o People with diabetes are at increased risk for death from pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
• Immunization provides the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Vaccines are one of the safest ways for you to protect your health, even if you are taking prescription medications. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe side effects are very rare.
Vaccines You Need:
Influenza Vaccine
To protect against seasonal flu every year
Pneumococcal Vaccine
To protect against pneumonia
Tdap Vaccine
To protect against whooping cough and tetanus
Hep B Vaccine
To protect against hepatitis B
Zoster Vaccine
To protect against shingles
There may be other vaccines recommended for you based on lifestyle, travel, and other factors. Talk with your healthcare professional about what is right for you.
Getting Vaccinated
You regularly see your provider for diabetes care, and that is a great place to start! If your healthcare professional does not offer the vaccines you need, ask for a referral so you can get the vaccines elsewhere. Adults can get vaccines at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, workplaces, community health clinics, health departments and other locations. To find a place near you to get a vaccine, go to http://vaccine.healthmap.org. Most health insurance plans cover recommended vaccines. Check with your insurance provider for details and for a list of vaccine providers covered by your plan. If you do not have health insurance, visit www.healthcare.gov to learn more about health insurance options.
For the most updated information from the CDC click here.
