There’s a wide spectrum of opinion about whether people with diabetes should get flu shots and vaccinations, especially for flu, pneumonia, shingles, and hepatitis B. Please research the information and consult with your medical care practitioner.

My preference is to get a yearly flu shot because, as an elderly diabetic, I cannot afford to be sick! I can’t risk being contagious to other family members, especially children and those with compromised immune systems.

Before my type 2 diabetes diagnosis, I used to get the flu every year in January and have to be off from work for a week. When I started working for a health care foundation whose offices were located inside the hospital, the administration required all employees to get a flu shot. So I did. And never once after that did I get the flu every year in January! Or at all.

I’ve also had a shingles vaccination since I had chickenpox earlier in my life.

In times of epidemics/pandemics, it’s especially important to take added measures of caution, such as avoiding large crowds, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask when appropriate, and washing your hands with warm, soapy water many times a day! Especially when coming back into your home after being out, handwashing is important, besides washing your hands multiple times during the day and evening just before you check your blood glucose. Carry hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial hand wipes when you go out but wash your hands with warm, soapy water as soon as you come home.

References

Sudhaker, Shwetha, MD. “Why Those with Diabetes Shouldn’t Skip the Flu Shot,” Atrium Health (December 11, 2018). https://atriumhealth.org/dailydose/2018/12/11/pc-why-those-with-diabetes-shouldnt-skip-the-flu-shot (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 and Adult Vaccination,” CDC (page last reviewed: May 2, 2016). https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/health-conditions/diabetes.html (accessed on 8/3/2020).

Mann, Denise; medically reviewed by Farrokh Sohradi, MD. “3 Vaccinations You Need If You Have Diabetes,” Every Day Health (October 26, 2016). https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/type-2-diabetes-care/vaccinations/ (accessed on 8/3/2020).
Flu, pneumonia, hepatitis B

Shingles Vaccination
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html

Shingles Vaccine and Blood Sugar Control: Diabetes Questions & Answers
https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/shingles-vaccine-blood-sugar-control-diabetes-questions-answers/

The Benefits of Vaccines
http://diabetesdigest.com/staying-healthy-with-diabetes-vaccine-benefits/