Updated 23 March 2023. Australia’s COVID-19 vaccines Everyone in Australia will be offered a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Information about Australia’s COVID-19 vaccines is available from the Department of Health and Aged Care website. Call the National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080 if you have vaccine questions. Having a plan if you get sick with a respiratory or other illness When you have diabetes, other illnesses or infections can affect your glucose levels and your diabetes management. Being prepared can help you know what to do if you get sick. That’s why it’s important to have your own sick day management plan—before you get sick. Check out our NDSS fact sheets: Living well with type 1 diabetes – what to do when you are sick Living well with type 2 diabetes – what to do when you are sick For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia website: Diabetes Be Prepared Sick day planning video Sick day planning Q&A video with credentialled diabetes educator Cheryl Steel. Looking after your mental health If you are self-isolating or if you live in an area currently affected by a COVID-19 outbreak it is important to take care of your mental health and emotional wellbeing. We have a range of helpful emotional health resources to support you. For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia website: Diabetes Be Connected. If you are concerned about your diabetes management—don’t hesitate to call our NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a diabetes health professional. Managing worry about COVID-19 and diabetes We know things might be a little scary and uncertain and the COVID-19 situation changes often with hotspots and restrictions. Your experience of living with diabetes, and the stresses and uncertainties it brings, means you may be better prepared to cope with this situation than most people. If you find yourself worrying, it might help to focus on the things that you can control in your life. Read more in our fact sheet Managing worry about COVID-19 and diabetes. This fact sheet is also available in other languages. More information and support Lifeline provides crisis phone support on 13 11 14 all day every day as well as online and text chats at night. For more information, visit the Lifeline webpage dedicated to mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19. Visit beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 224 636. Beyond Blue provides information and support to people with depression or anxiety or anyone going through a tough time. Support services are available via telephone, email or live chat, including online forums where you can connect with others. Visit Headspace.org.au support for young people, their family and friends to be mentally healthy and engaged in their communities. Staying active Looking for ways to stay active while practising social distancing during COVID-19 outbreaks or self-isolating? Here are some ideas to keep you moving: Be active at home during COVID19 on the World Health Organization Facebook page Home-based exercise for people with diabetes on the International Diabetes Federation website. There are plenty of other benefits of regular physical activity, including improving mood. Have a read of our Physical activity fact sheet. For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia website: Diabetes Be Healthy. Eating healthy The foods you eat can affect your diabetes management, how well you feel and how much energy you have. Choosing healthy foods and being active can help you manage your blood glucose levels. A good place to start is by reading our Lifestyle and healthy eating fact sheets or our nutrition pages. For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia website: Diabetes Be Healthy. Having a flu shot In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, you can get vaccinated against the seasonal flu. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 and from the flu and are more likely to develop serious respiratory illnesses than people without diabetes. The flu shot is free for people with diabetes—however some GPs and pharmacies will charge a service fee. Ask when you make your appointment if there will be a service fee or cost to you. Be sure to phone first. GP practices and pharmacies have special arrangements in place to keep you safe when you visit. For more information, visit the Diabetes Australia: Diabetes Be Prepared Flu shot video Have a flu shot Q&A video with GP Dr Gary Deed.
