As an adult, routine vaccines are still recommended — although not nearly as many as you had in childhood. Vaccination is even more important with aging and T1D, as the immune system can become compromised, increasing your risk of certain illnesses. 

Staying up to date with vaccines can be confusing. While you may get reminders about your child’s vaccine schedule, you’re likely the only one keeping track of yours in adulthood.   

Generally, people of all ages benefit from vaccines. They help your immune system protect your body, prevent illness, and save lives. That’s why making sure you’re up to date with vaccines is important. Let’s take a look at what’s recommended and when.

 

How do vaccines work? 

Vaccines are usually made from tiny amounts of weak or dead germs. They work by “priming” your immune system to alert and protect you from future infections. 

In other words, getting a flu vaccine, for example, helps your body remember the germs. This way, when the flu rolls around, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding it or getting a milder version of it. 

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can answer any questions you have about vaccines. Please know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations are research-based. Data shows vaccines help to protect people from preventable illnesses and their complications. 

  

What vaccines do adults living with T1D need? 

As the body ages, more severe illnesses can occur. Fluctuations in blood glucose and high A1C values, for example, can add stress to the body. In turn, weakening the immune system.  

Plus, protection with some childhood vaccines fades over time. That’s why sometimes a booster or an extra vaccine dose is recommended. Let’s break down the recommendations. 

 

COVID-19  

People living with conditions such as T1D are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. This can be different for different people and depends on glucose management and other health conditions. 

More than 1 million people have died from COVID-19 in the U.S. alone. Receiving a  2024-2025 COVID vaccine is recommended, regardless of having a previous vaccine or exposure to COVID-19. 

 

Hepatitis B  

Hepatitis B is more common in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Because of this, the CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccines for adults under 60 years of age. If you’re over 60, you have a lower risk of transmission but can still get the vaccines (if you haven’t already).  

 

Influenza (Flu)  

The flu vaccine is also called the flu shot. The CDC recommends getting one every year. Receiving the flu vaccine is even more important for those at high risk of complications, as it reduces cases of the flu and hospital stays. Moreover, it helps to reduce cardiac events in people living with diabetes and heart disease. 

 

Pneumococcal pneumonia 

People living with T1D are more likely to get a pneumococcal infection and its complications. Symptoms can begin without warning and can be life-threatening. Bacterial pneumonia is preventable with this vaccine.   

That’s why adults aged 19-64 with T1D should get a pneumococcal vaccine. Depending on the type of vaccine given, you may need an additional one (if you’re over age 65).   

 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)  

RSV is a contagious virus. It causes respiratory illnesses in people of all ages, like pneumonia. For certain people, RSV can be a dangerous infection. The CDC recommends all adults over age 75 get vaccinated. And why it’s considered for adults with T1D between 60 and 74.  

 

Other common vaccines include: 

  • Zoster or Shingrix is recommended for adults 50 or older to prevent shingles
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) booster is recommended every 10 years with additional vaccines during pregnancy to help prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough 
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) series can help prevent cervical cancer and is recommended for those under age 26 (it may be given between ages 27 and 45) 

 Vaccine information is updated regularly by the CDC. 

  

Common concerns about vaccines 

Some concerns include the safety of vaccines, whether they can cause the condition they’re meant to prevent, and whether natural immunity may be better. Below are answers to these and other common questions.  

 

Does the flu vaccine cause the flu?  

That depends. The flu vaccine comes in two forms: inactive and active.  

  • The inactive flu vaccine (given as an injection) is recommended for people with diabetes. The vaccine cannot “cause the flu.” However, it does take up to two weeks to work fully. You may still get sick if you’re exposed to the flu during this time.  
  • The active or live flu vaccine is given intranasally (in the nose). It contains a small amount of live virus that you could possibly get sick from. That’s why the live vaccine is not recommended for people with diabetes. 

 

Do I need the COVID-19 vaccine if I already had COVID?  

Yes. Even if you’ve had COVID-19, it’s still best to get a vaccine. It helps your body make more antibodies than the illness alone. This is important because, again, some people with T1D are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. 

 

Should people with T1D avoid live vaccines?  

People with T1D may have a higher risk of complications from live vaccines. Your immune system may or may not be weaker than someone without diabetes. So, it’s best to avoid live vaccines.  

 

Is it OK to combine vaccines?  

Most vaccines can be given together on the same day. This is a personal choice. You’ll receive individual injections of each vaccine in different areas (such as right arm and left arm).  

It’s better to get a few vaccines on the same day versus delaying a vaccine. For example, the flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines can all be given together. Some vaccines like pneumococcal and hepatitis B require 2 or 3 shots. Follow-up vaccines should be timed as recommended.   

Getting multiple vaccines at once may not be recommended for some people. Your healthcare team can help with any questions or concerns you may have. 

 

Do vaccines provide better immunity than the illness itself? 

Vaccines cause an immune response like that of illness but without the risks. For example, there are many deaths each year from COVID-19 and the flu.  Conditions like polio can cause a person to become paralyzed. Vaccines can provide similar immunity benefits without these risks.  

 

Are there times when you should not get a vaccine? 

If you have the flu, COVID-19, or an active infection, wait until you feel better. This way, you’ll avoid getting your healthcare team sick, too.  

While severe allergic reactions to vaccines are rare, they can happen. If you’ve had an allergic reaction in the past, let your healthcare team know so they can recommend an alternative or take extra precautions. 

 

What are vaccine side effects? 

The most common side effects of vaccines are a sore arm and injection site pain. In the case of COVID-19, people may feel some symptoms of illness, such as headache, fatigue, and fever. These are short-term symptoms for long-term benefits.    

 

Wrapping it up 

Vaccines prevent severe illness and save lives. Living with T1D can increase your risk of illness. Staying up to date on new vaccines and their recommendations can help you make an informed decision, along with advice from your healthcare team.