Diabetes affects how the body fights infection. Adults with diabetes have higher rates of severe influenza, pneumococcal disease, and hospitalisation from respiratory illness generally. The good news, a focused, NIP-funded vaccination plan reduces that risk substantially.
Free under the NIP if you have diabetes
- Annual influenza, recommended every year, free under the NIP for adults with diabetes from age 5 upwards.
- Pneumococcal vaccination, funded for adults with diabetes plus another defined risk factor (kidney disease, lung disease, immunocompromise). Your GP confirms eligibility.
- COVID-19 boosters, current ATAGI advice. Diabetes-with-complications places you in a higher booster cadence.
Other vaccinations worth thinking about
- Shingles, NIP-funded from 65, private from 50. Older adults with diabetes are particularly affected by post-herpetic neuralgia.
- RSV (older adult), where your age and risk factors put you in the recommended group.
- Hepatitis B, recommended for adults with diabetes who haven’t been vaccinated. Diabetes care often involves blood-glucose monitoring and minor procedures, slightly elevating risk.
- dTpa within the last 10 years, particularly if you’re around babies or grandchildren.
Timing with other diabetes care
Most people prefer to schedule vaccinations alongside an existing diabetes check, GP visit for a quarterly review, eye check, podiatry. We can do walk-in vaccinations at the pharmacy in under 25 minutes if you’d prefer a single dedicated visit. Vaccination doesn’t affect your HbA1c or blood glucose meaningfully, mild post-vaccine fever can occasionally nudge readings for a day, your immuniser will mention this if relevant.
Side-effect profile
Same as anyone, mostly mild. Adults with diabetes don’t have a higher rate of vaccine adverse events. The 15-minute observation period applies as standard.
For a refresher on what each vaccine actually does, see our pneumococcal post and our free flu shot eligibility post.
Sources & further reading
General information only. This article is educational and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Your immuniser will confirm eligibility and contraindications on the day.
TGA advertising compliance. Vaccines are referred to by disease or category in line with the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. Specific brands and registered indications are discussed at the consultation.