Flu vaccine

The flu is an infection. It's caused by a virus. The virus spreads when a person coughs or sneezes. Flu symptoms may include a sudden high fever, chills, or body aches. Or you may have a sore throat, runny nose, dry cough, or headache. If you have diabetes and catch the flu, you may get sicker than other people. The flu can lead to pneumonia. It can cause a high blood sugar level that is dangerous. In some cases, you may need to be in the hospital.

The best way to protect yourself is to get the flu vaccine. You won't have full protection. But for about the next 6 months, you'll be less likely to get the flu. You need a new flu shot each year. The CDC advises flu shots in September or October. You can still get the shot in January or later. Ask your doctor what vaccine schedule is best for you. It helps if the people you live with get flu shots, too.

Many forms of flu vaccine are available each year. The CDC suggests that people with diabetes or other medical conditions avoid the live attenuated flu vaccines, if possible. Take the inactivated vaccines instead.

Pneumococcal vaccine

Pneumococcal disease is an illness caused by bacteria. It can cause serious infections of the lungs, blood, and covering of the brain and spinal cord. These infections can be severe and lead to death. Having diabetes raises your risk for serious problems and death from these.

There are a few of these vaccines. Talk with your doctor about which you should get. Ask the best time to get it.

Hepatitis B vaccine

The vaccine for hepatitis B is advised for people younger than age 60. It may be advised for people age 60 and older. It depends on their risk of hepatitis B infection. It's done in a series of 3 shots over 6 months. You need all 3 shots to be immune. You may have had some of the hepatitis B vaccine series in the past, but not all three. Then you only need to have the ones you missed. You don't need to start over.

Tdap vaccine

This vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. All people should get this vaccine at least every 10 years. Pregnant people should have an extra dose.

Shingles (zoster) vaccine

This vaccine gives protection against the virus that causes shingles. It's given in 2 shots. The shingles vaccine is very important if you have had nerve damage (neuropathy).

COVID-19

This is a disease caused by a virus. It spreads very easily from person to person. It infects the lungs and other organs. The disease can be serious and life-threatening. This is most true for people in high-risk groups. These include older adults and people with chronic health problems. The CDC and other experts advise updated COVID-19 vaccines for most age groups.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, lungs, and breathing passages. Although it usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, RSV can be serious in older adults and lead to severe illness and hospitalization. Adults with diabetes are at increased risk of severe illness from RSV. One dose of the RSV vaccine is recommended for most adults ages 60 and older.

Talk with your doctor

Before you get any of these vaccines, talk with your doctor. They can help you get vaccines you need at the right times. Keep a record of the vaccines you receive and the dates they were given. This helps make sure you're fully protected.