Immunisation against COVID-19 is one of the most important tools we have available to:
So far, worldwide adult COVID-19 immunisation drives are proving extremely effective at both:
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.
Children can:
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.
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.
Read about COVID-19 vaccines and diabetes at the Diabetes New Zealand website [1]
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 [2] are to:
If you're taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, follow the dosage instructions. It is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.
See KidsHealth's section on COVID-19 immunisation in children [3]
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 [4]
The content on this page has been approved by the Clinical Network for Children and Young People with Diabetes, Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Diabetes New Zealand.
This page last reviewed 19 January 2022.
Email us [6] your feedback
Links
[1] https://www.diabetes.org.nz/covid-19-vaccine-diabetes
[2] https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/side-effects-of-covid-19-vaccines/
[3] https://kidshealth.org.nz/tags/covid-19-immunisation-children
[4] https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/
[5] https://kidshealth.org.nz/tags/diabetes
[6] https://kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fkidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F2572%3Flanguage%3Dzh-hans