People with diabetes may experience mild side effects from the COVID-19 vaccination. However, it is important that individuals above a certain age who have diabetes receive a COVID-19 vaccine, as they have an increased risk of serious complications from this disease.

While people with diabetes may not be at a greater risk of developing COVID-19, they may be more likely to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) if they do get COVID-19. This is even more likely if a person with diabetes has difficulty managing their diabetes and blood glucose levels or has other conditions like hypertension or

Some research suggests that people with diabetes may also be at a higher risk of side effects from the COVID-19 vaccination; however, other studies suggest the risk is similar to individuals who do not have diabetes.

Read on to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and how they may affect people with type 2 diabetes.

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If someone has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, they are more likely to experience severe COVID-19 complications compared to the general population. Research suggests that people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have a breakthrough COVID-19 infection after vaccination.

People with additional chronic conditions, such as heart disease and obesity, may also need extra care while recovering from COVID-19.

In general, anyone living with diabetes and any diabetes-related complications is at risk of developing more serious COVID-19 symptoms and are more likely to develop COVID-19 even after a vaccination.

If anyone believes they have COVID-19 symptoms, it is important they do not panic, as stress can affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.

The best action to take is to call a doctor and give them the following information:

  • glucose reading
  • ketone reading
  • how much fluid they are consuming
  • description of COVID-19 symptoms

It is also a good idea to ask a doctor for practical advice on managing blood sugar while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Every individual is different, and what works well for some may not for others.

At the moment, there is no information suggesting that insulin or other diabetes medications affect the effectiveness of vaccines.

Because so many people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes vary in age and health, it is important that they contact their doctor urgently if they begin to feel very unwell.

A person should notice milder symptoms, such as arm pain or fatigue, ease off within 24 hours of receiving the vaccine. If symptoms get worse, they can speak with their doctor for advice.

If a person’s tongue is swelling or they are breaking out in hives, this could indicate a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. In these instances, it is crucial that they receive an injection of epinephrine and seek immediate medical attention.

Please note that these serious side effects are rare and occur in only a few individuals.

Where a person lives determines the vaccine they will receive, as different countries worldwide offer different vaccines to their populations.

In the United States and parts of Europe, the following COVID-19 vaccines are in use in 2025:

Moderna has two mRNA 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines:

  • Moderna is approved for use in children 6 months to 11 years old.
  • SPIKEVAX is approved for use in individuals 12 years old and older.

A healthcare professional will administer this vaccine as jabs (shots) in the upper arm.

BioNTech-Pfizer has two mRNA 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines

  • Pfizer is approved for children 6 months to 12 years old.
  • COMIRNATY is approved for individuals 12 years old and older.

The BioNTech-Pfizer vaccines are also known as the BNT162b2 vaccine.

A healthcare professional will administer this vaccine as (jabs) shots in the upper arm.

The Novavax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine. It is approved for individuals 12 years and older only.

This type of vaccine uses a part of a virus (a protein subunit) to create the vaccine, and it cannot cause the disease. The protein subunit stimulates the body to produce antibodies that fight the virus. The vaccine helps prevent COVID-19, in this case, or helps the virus cause milder symptoms.

A healthcare professional will administer this vaccine as jabs (shots) in the upper arm.

In 2021, the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine was paused, and in 2023, the vaccine expired and has been discontinued.

In 2023, the the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source authorized the Novavax protein subunit vaccine.

The data is based on the CDC’s 2024 to 2025 vaccination guidance. Be sure to speak with the healthcare professional who administers the COVID-19 vaccination to confirm the number of doses needed.

Individuals who are immunocompromised will need to consult with a doctor to determine which COVID-19 vaccine is best for them, and they will need additional boosters. Having diabetes doesn’t automatically mean an individual is immunocompromised, but people with diabetes may have a weakened immune system.

Individuals with diabetes need to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to determine if they need additional COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

The CDC recommends the 2024-25 versions of the COVID-19 vaccinations.

2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccines – Dosing Schedule

VaccineModerna (mRNA vaccines):

• Moderna (6 months to 11 years old)
• SPIKEVAX (12 years old and older)		Pfizer-BioNTech
BNT162b2
(mRNA vaccines):

• Pfizer (6 months to 11 years old)
• COMIRNATY (12 years old and older)		Novavax
(protein subunit vaccine)

Age6 months old and older6 months old and older12 years old and older
Primary series
(first time vaccinated)		1 or 2 initial doses (if first time vaccinated):

6 months to 4 years:
• dose 1 now

5 years to 64 years:
• Only one dose needed for individuals who are 6 months to 64 years old and who have the 2024–25 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination

Over 65 years old:
• 1 initial vaccination (and 1 booster to follow)		1 initial dose (if first time vaccinated):

6 months to 11 years:
• Dose 1 – initial dose (1 booster later)

5 years and older:
• 1 dose only (no booster)		1 initial dose (if first time vaccinated):

12 years old and older:
• Dose 1 (initial dose)



Booster doseBooster (dose 2):

6 months to 11 years:
• Dose 2 given at least 4 to 8 weeks after Dose 1

Over 65 years old:
• Dose 2 given at 4 months after Dose 1		Booster (dose 2):

6 months to 11 years:
• Dose 2 given at least 4 to 8 weeks after Dose 1

Over 65 years old:
• Dose 2 given at 4 months after Dose 1		Booster (dose 2):

• Dose 2 given 6 months after dose 1 (initial dose)

Mild vaccine side effects are usually not a cause for concern, as the symptoms likely indicate the body is building protection against COVID-19.

Side effects in the arm include:

  • mild pain
  • skin darkening
  • mild swelling

General side effects include:

  • chills
  • headaches
  • muscle pain
  • fatigue
  • fever
  • nausea

People with diabetes may note higher blood sugars for a few days after vaccination. This is due to the blood sugar rising in response to the mild, temporary inflammation that the vaccine triggers. Individuals experiencing this should contact a doctor if they have concerns.

People with type 2 diabetes should receive a COVID-19 vaccination as a priority because they are more vulnerable to serious complications from the virus.

At the moment, there is no evidence suggesting diabetes medications reduce the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Anyone with type 2 diabetes should contact a doctor if vaccine side effects, such as arm swelling and pain, do not resolve after 24 hours of receiving the vaccine.