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If you have diabetes, you are strongly encouraged to get the coronavirus vaccine, as people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing severe illness if they become infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19), and the coronavirus vaccine is the most effective way to prevent that.
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Vaccines are the safest and most effective way to protect yourself against coronavirus and flu. If you or a loved one has diabetes, it's very important to find out if it's time to get a coronavirus vaccine or flu shot. These vaccines not only help protect individuals, but also those around us, so making sure you and your loved ones are up to date on vaccinations helps keep everyone safe.
In August 2024, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published advice for the COVID-19 vaccine programme for autumn 2024, recommending that all people with diabetes aged 6 months or over should receive the COVID-19 vaccination this autumn.
The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that people with diabetes will be offered the vaccine from 3 October 2024. This applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Diabetics have previously been offered COVID-19 and flu vaccinations in the fall, but in the spring the COVID-19 vaccine is only being offered to people with immunosuppression, which excludes the majority of diabetics.
For more information on which groups are eligible for the vaccine,NHS website.
Your previous vaccination should still give you some protection against the coronavirus – if you're unsure about this or have any questions about getting the vaccine, speak to your doctor or healthcare team.
Relevant health authorities in all four countries will decide separately when and how eligible people can receive the vaccine.
In England, from 23 September 2024, you can get tested via the NHS app or Learn moreYou may be encouraged to get the vaccine by the NHS, or you can enquire at your GP or pharmacy that is administering the vaccine when you can make an appointment.
Get the latest updates for your area:
If you develop a new illness, such as diabetes, discuss your vaccination needs with your diabetes team, who will assess your needs.
For most children, coronavirus causes mild symptoms or is sometimes asymptomatic. But for a small number of children with underlying health conditions, it can cause more severe illness. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent this.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your health care team should explain the risks and benefits of getting the vaccine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you are strongly advised not to get vaccinated.
For more information on government advice,COVID-19 vaccination: A guide for all women of childbearing agepregnant or breastfeeding. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) also Guidance on coronavirus vaccines during pregnancy.
You may receive an invitation from the NHS to get the vaccine, but you don't need to wait for an invitation – if you're eligible, you can ask your GP or pharmacy that offers the vaccine when you can make an appointment.
In England, from 23 September 2024, you can get tested via the NHS app or Learn moreReservations will be accepted from October 3rd until December 20th.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can be arranged in the same appointment.
For more information on how to get the Covid-19 vaccine, visit your local NHS website.
If you are unsure which vaccine you are eligible for or have any questions, please speak to your healthcare team or call the free helpline on 0345 123 2399.
Some may still be concerned about how quickly a coronavirus vaccine was developed, but it was only possible because scientists, governments and industry around the world focused their attention on this common goal.
Vaccine trials included the usual participants, and no stage of development or testing was rushed or skipped. The global collaboration to find a vaccine expedited the funding and approval process, and manufacturing began early. In addition to this, existing technologies were used to develop the vaccine, which allowed it to be developed more quickly than usual.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will also continue to monitor the vaccine on an ongoing basis to make sure that vaccinations are to very high standards. It is also useful to know that the vaccine is being tested in men and women of different ages and ethnicities, with a range of health conditions, including diabetes.
There is no evidence to suggest that the vaccine is less effective in people with diabetes.
Not everyone who gets the vaccine will experience side effects. If they do, they are usually very mild. Side effects usually don't last more than 48 hours.
Common side effects include:
- Sore arm after receiving a vaccination
- Tired
- headache
- it hurts
- Feeling unwell or ill.
If you feel unwell, Sick day rules recommended by your diabetes team. If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your health care team.
Vaccination may affect blood sugar levels, and some people may report their blood sugar levels going up or down.
When you get a vaccine, your body begins to mount what's called an immune response. This response includes releasing excess glucose stored in your body. This is nothing to worry about – it's just your body reacting to the vaccine since it's the first time you've had it.
Learn more about managing hyperglycemia.
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Some people have reported significant hypoglycemia, for reasons unknown. People who receive the vaccine are advised to test their blood sugar levels more frequently.
If you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, medicine or food, it is safe to get any coronavirus vaccine unless you are allergic to a specific vaccine ingredient.
If you have a history of allergic reactions, your doctor will discuss this with you and monitor you for around 15 minutes after the shot. Speak to your healthcare team if you're concerned about this or have any further questions about previous reactions.
The coronavirus vaccine does not contain meat, eggs or animal products. The vaccine is Halal and Kosher certified.
Some vaccines contain very small amounts of alcohol, similar to the amount found in bread. This amount is negligible as it has no effect on the body. The concentration of alcohol in the vaccine is much lower than 1%, which means it is a Halal vaccine. The alcohol is included to preserve the vaccine's ingredients and ensure its effectiveness.
The vaccine contains blueprints for making tiny pieces of the coronavirus, which trigger a response from your immune system so that it starts making antibodies to protect you if you later become infected with the coronavirus.
Vaccines also contain other ingredients that are added to stabilize the vaccine and make it more effective. Common ingredients in coronavirus vaccines include sucrose (a type of sugar) and salt. These are added in very small amounts and have no effect on the human body.
More information about the type of vaccine and what ingredients are in the vaccine can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet given to you when you are offered the vaccine.