National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month!

The month of August is National Immunization Awareness Month and is dedicated to highlighting the importance of vaccinations. Did you know that vaccines are one of the greatest accomplishments of public health? Vaccines are important for everyone, but specifically people with diabetes since you are at a higher risk of serious complications caused by vaccine-preventable diseases.¹

Diabetes and vaccinations

Read below to find out which vaccines may be important for you!

COVID-19 vaccine

Who should get vaccinated? Children >12 and all adults are now eligible to receive the vaccine.

When should you get vaccinated? As soon as possible.

Why is this important for people with diabetes? The COVID-19 vaccine is especially important for people with diabetes! 40% of American COVID-19 deaths were among people with diabetes.² COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be HIGHLY effective against severe symptoms, hospitalizations, and death.³

For additional information on the COVID vaccine and Diabetes please refer to the American Diabetes Association FAQ.

Influenza (Flu) vaccine

Who should get vaccinated? Everyone above the age of 6 months. *There is a high-dose flu vaccine available for adults above the age of 65.

When should you get vaccinated? Annually! Since it takes about two weeks after getting the vaccine for it to work, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting it before the start of flu season by the end of October.

Why is this important for people with diabetes? People with diabetes have been found to be more likely to be hospitalized and/or die from the flu.¹

Hepatitis B vaccine

Who should get vaccinated? Everyone above the age of 6 months.

Why is this important for people with diabetes? People with diabetes have higher rates of hepatitis B. There may be an increased risk of transmission from the use of infected needles, syringes, or blood glucose monitoring device supplies.¹

Pneumococcal pneumonia

Who should get vaccinated? It is recommended for all ages.

Why is this important for people with diabetes? People with diabetes are at a higher risk of getting pneumococcus bacteria, which could cause pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis.¹

TDAP vaccine

Who should get vaccinated? All adults should get the vaccine, and receive an additional booster every 10 years.

Why is this important for people with diabetes? The TDAP vaccine can prevent against three serious illnesses 1. Teanus, 2. Duptheria, 3. Pertussis (whooping cough).

Zoster vaccine

Who should get vaccinated? The CDC recommends this for people >50 years of age.

Why is it important for people with diabetes? This vaccine reduces the risk of getting shingles.

Vaccine decisions and more information

As always, please discuss with your doctor which vaccines are right for you. If you are not sure of your vaccine history, be prepared to speak to your health care team at the next visit. Here are some topics to discuss:

• What questions and concerns do you have regarding the vaccines?
• What vaccines have you had already and which ones do you need in the future?

For additional information on vaccines and a time table please refer to: the CDC's Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule and the CDC's Diabetes and Vaccination page.