COVID-19 Immunisation For Children & Teens With Diabetes

Why is immunisation against COVID-19 important?

Immunisation against COVID-19 is one of the most important tools we have available to:

• help gain control of the current world-wide COVID-19 pandemic
• prevent the emergence of new COVID-19 variants which may spread more easily

So far, worldwide adult COVID-19 immunisation drives are proving extremely effective at both:

• preventing COVID-19 infection and
• reducing severe COVID-19 symptoms and the need to spend tie in hospital

Which children can have the COVID-19 vaccine?

All those 5 years and over can have the COVID-19 vaccine now. This includes all children and young people with diabetes who are 5 years and over.

Why immunise my child with diabetes against COVID-19?

Children can:

• be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
• get sick from COVID-19
• spread COVID-19 to others

There is some evidence that children with type 1 diabetes are at more risk of getting severe illness with COVID-19. 

The Paediatric Society Clinical Network for Diabetes recommends all children 5 years and over with diabetes should have the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. Widespread immunisation is a very important tool to help stop the pandemic.

Is it safe for my child with diabetes to have the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Like adults, children and young people may have some side effects after COVID-19 immunisation. These side effects may affect their ability to do daily activities, but the side effects should go away in a few days. The risk of harm to children from COVID-19 infection remains much higher than the risk to them from vaccine side effects.

The Pfizer vaccine

• is a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine
• does not contain any live virus, or dead or deactivated virus
• can't give you COVID-19
• can't affect your DNA

Read about COVID-19 vaccines and diabetes at the Diabetes New Zealand website

Side effects

Like with any medicine, you might have some mild side effects 1 to 2 days after your immunisation. This is common, and a sign that your body is learning to fight the virus. For those who do feel uncomfortable or unwell afterwards, the suggestions at the 'Unite Against COVID-19' website are to:

• place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack on the injection site for a short time
• rest and drink plenty of fluids
• consider taking paracetamol or ibuprofen

If you're taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, follow the dosage instructions. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.

Where to get up to date information on COVID-19 immunisation

See KidsHealth's section on COVID-19 immunisation in children

Please also see the 'Unite Against COVID-19' website for more details and up to date information on the COVID-19 vaccine.

Check the 'Unite Against COVID-19' website for the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine

See more KidsHealth content on diabetes

Check out KidsHealth's section on diabetes