Why vaccination against COVID-19 is important
Vaccination 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 vaccination drives are proving extremely effective at both:
- preventing COVID-19 infection and
- reducing severe COVID-19 symptoms and the need to spend time 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 tamariki and rangatahi with diabetes who are 5 years and over.
See the Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand website for up-to-date recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccinating children with diabetes against COVID-19
Tamariki 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 tamariki with type 1 diabetes are at more risk of getting severe illness with COVID-19.
The Paediatric Society Clinical Network for Diabetes recommends all tamariki 5 years and over with diabetes should have the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. Widespread vaccination is a very important tool to help stop the pandemic.
COVID-19 vaccine safety
Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Like adults, tamariki and young people may have some side effects after COVID-19 vaccination. 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 tamariki 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 vaccination. 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 on the Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand 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.
See the Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand website to find out about possible COVID-19 vaccine side effects and what to do if you experience them.
More information
See the following KidsHealth pages for more information.
COVID-19 Vaccination For Children
Supporting Children & Young People Having The COVID-19 Vaccine
Acknowledgements
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.
