Should diabetics get a flu shot? In general, yes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says every person with diabetes needs a flu shot each year, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says annual flu vaccination is important for people with diabetes to prevent flu and serious flu complications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about getting one.
Key takeaways
- ADA says the best time for a flu shot is September or October, and that it takes about two weeks to work.
- CDC and ADA say people with diabetes should get the injected flu shot, not the live nasal spray.
- CDC says people with diabetes are at higher risk of serious flu complications even when diabetes is well managed, and that about 30% of adults hospitalized with flu have diabetes.
- Flu can raise blood sugar, and can lower it if you cannot eat or drink as usual.
- CDC says to contact your healthcare provider right away if you have flu symptoms, because prompt antiviral treatment is recommended for people with diabetes.
Why the Flu Is Riskier With Diabetes
CDC says people with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, even when well managed, are at higher risk of serious flu complications. These can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. CDC lists pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections as flu-related complications.
CDC says data reported to it show about 30% of adults hospitalized with flu have diabetes. ADA says high blood glucose can make it harder for the body to fight infections, which is one reason the flu is extra risky. Our guide to whether diabetes weakens your immune system explains more.
The flu can also upset blood sugar. CDC says acute illnesses like the flu can make blood sugar harder to manage, and the flu may raise blood sugar or, if you cannot eat or drink as much as usual, cause it to fall.
What a Flu Shot Does
ADA says flu shots do not give 100% protection, but they make it less likely you will catch the flu for about six months. ADA also says they lower your risk of hospitalization or other complications if you do get the flu. CDC says flu vaccination has been associated with fewer flu-related hospitalizations among people with diabetes, and cites a 79% reduction.
Keep two cautions in mind. First, "associated with" describes a pattern in studies, not a promise for any one person. Second, ADA's Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026 rate the evidence for flu vaccination in diabetes as type 3, which ADA defines as observational studies or randomized trials with notable limitations. ADA and CDC still recommend it each year, because the risk of flu complications with diabetes is real and the shot has a long record of safety.
Which Flu Shot to Get
ADA and CDC both say people with diabetes should get the injected flu shot. CDC says they should generally not get the nasal spray flu vaccine, which contains weakened live influenza viruses. ADA's Standards list the same advice: an annual flu vaccine, but not the live attenuated vaccine.
CDC says flu shots have a long, established safety record, and that studies support their safety in people with diabetes. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer questions about which flu vaccine is right for you.
When to Get It
ADA says the best time for your flu shot is September or October, and that it takes about two weeks to take effect. A few other points from ADA:
- If you are sick, such as with a cold or fever, ask whether you should wait until you are well before getting the shot.
- If you have had a reaction to a flu shot, tell the person giving the shot before you get another.
- The people you live with, or spend a lot of time with, should get a flu shot too. You are less likely to catch the flu if the people around you do not have it.
Do You Need the Pneumonia Vaccine Too?
CDC says that having the flu raises your risk of pneumococcal disease, and that pneumococcal pneumonia is an example of a serious flu-related complication that can cause death. CDC says people with diabetes should be up to date with pneumococcal vaccination, and that if you are due, you can get the one your provider recommends when you get your flu shot. See our guide to the pneumonia vaccine for people with diabetes and our overview of vaccines for people with diabetes.
Flu Symptoms and What to Do
ADA lists these flu symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. ADA says a person can have the flu without a fever.
CDC says people with diabetes who have flu symptoms should contact their healthcare provider right away. CDC says antiviral drugs can treat flu illness and may prevent serious flu complications, and that it recommends prompt antiviral treatment for people with diabetes who have flu or suspected flu. Whether you get an antiviral is a decision for your prescriber. ADA suggests asking your doctor now how to reach them if you think you have the flu, so you can get treatment early.
Plan Your Sick Days Before You Need Them
CDC's sick day page says to prepare ahead and keep several weeks of your insulin, other diabetes medicines, and easy-to-make foods at home. CDC's flu page says to have at least a two-week supply of necessary medicines. Ask your care team which of your medicines to keep taking when you are sick, because the answer depends on what you take.
When you are sick, CDC's sick day page says to:
- Test your blood sugar every 4 hours, and keep track of the results.
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Try to eat as you normally would.
- Check your temperature every morning and evening, because a fever may be a sign of infection.
- Test your urine for ketones with an over-the-counter kit if needed, and call your doctor right away if ketones are present. See our guide to ketones in urine.
Our guide to diabetes sick day rules goes through these steps in more detail.
Other Steps That Help
CDC says people with diabetes should also follow everyday preventive actions: avoid people who are sick, cover coughs, wash hands often, and clean frequently touched surfaces. CDC also mentions steps for cleaner air.
When to Call Your Care Team
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away for trouble breathing. CDC's sick day page also lists these reasons to go to the emergency room: ketones in your urine, being unable to keep liquids down for more than 4 hours (or food down for more than 24 hours), vomiting or severe diarrhea for more than 6 hours, a temperature over 101°F for 24 hours, or blood sugar below 60 mg/dL.
Call the same day if you have flu symptoms, since CDC says to contact your provider right away, or if your blood sugar stays well above your targets.
At your next visit, ask when you should get your flu shot and which other vaccines you are due for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should diabetics get a flu shot every year?
In general, yes. ADA says every person with diabetes needs a flu shot each year, and CDC says annual flu vaccination is important for people with diabetes. ADA says the best time is September or October. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about timing and which vaccine to use.
Is the flu shot safe for people with diabetes?
CDC says flu shots have a long, established safety record and that studies support their safety in people with diabetes. ADA says to tell the person giving the shot if you have ever had a reaction to a flu shot. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer questions about your situation.
Can people with diabetes use the nasal spray flu vaccine?
CDC says people with diabetes should generally not get the nasal spray flu vaccine because it contains weakened live influenza viruses. ADA says people with diabetes should not get the live vaccine given as a nasal spray. Both recommend the injected flu shot instead.
When is the best time for a diabetic to get a flu shot?
ADA says September or October is the best time, and that the shot takes about two weeks to take effect. If you have a cold or fever, ADA says to ask whether you should wait until you are healthy again. Your provider can help you choose a date.
Does a flu shot mean I will not get the flu?
No. ADA says flu shots do not give 100% protection, but they make it less likely you will catch the flu for about six months and lower your risk of hospitalization or other complications if you do get it. If you get flu symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
What should I do if I get flu symptoms with diabetes?
CDC says to contact your healthcare provider right away. CDC says antiviral drugs can treat flu illness and may prevent serious complications, and recommends prompt treatment for people with diabetes who have flu or suspected flu. Follow your sick day plan, and check your blood sugar more often while you are ill.
References
- American Diabetes Association. “Vaccinations.” Accessed October 2026.
- American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Diabetes. “4. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026.” Diabetes Care. 2026;49(Suppl. 1):S61–S88. Accessed October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Flu and People with Diabetes.” Accessed October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Managing Sick Days.” Accessed October 2026.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Your Immune System and Diabetes.” Accessed October 2026.
Next Steps
Ask your doctor or pharmacist when to schedule your flu shot this season, and write down who to call if you get flu symptoms. Put your sick-day supplies in one place.
For adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who want lifestyle education alongside clinical care, the Done With Diabetes™ program, a type 2 diabetes protocol for everyday habits, organizes learning about meals, movement, sleep, and stress. It does not diagnose or treat diabetes or the flu, advise on vaccines, interpret test results, change medicines, or replace your care team.