COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection.

We can all help to stop the spread of the virus by practicing good hygiene including washing hands regularly, using tissues and covering mouths when we cough or sneeze and avoiding close contact with others. People should participate in social distancing behaviours to help minimise the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 vaccines

The COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and have been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) rigorous testing process. All vaccines currently approved by the TGA (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax) are suitable for use in adults living with diabetes.

It is important that as many Australians as possible get vaccinated. This is the best path forward in the fight against the virus.

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone aged 5 years and older.

If you have had COVID-19 you should wait at least 3 months after the infection before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccines and children with diabetes

Children aged 5 to 17 are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. You can book a vaccination for your child here.

COVID-19 vaccine booster (3^rd dose)

People who are 16 years and older and who had the second dose of their COVID-19 vaccine at least three months ago are eligible for a vaccine booster dose. Boosters are not mandatory however, they are strongly recommended to maintain immunity.

You can book your booster shot here.

If you have had COVID-19 you should wait at least 3 months after the infection before receiving a COVID-19 booster.

Boosters are not currently recommended for children aged 15 years and under.

COVID-19 4th dose (winter dose)

People who are 50 years or older who had their vaccine booster dose three months ago are now eligible for a 4th dose.

People living with diabetes aged 16 – 49 who are using medication to manage the condition are also eligible.

Diabetes Australia strongly encourages people to receive their 4th dose.  

You can book your 4^th dose here.

Contacting the NDSS about COVID-19 and diabetes

The NDSS Helpline is extending its hours to be able to give greater support for people with diabetes during the COVID-19 outbreak. You can call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 from 8:30am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday and from 9:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday.

We encourage people to also check the Department of Health’s Coronavirus Information Page for more information or contact the National Coronavirus Helpline. The National Coronavirus Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1800 020 080.

How it spreads

COVID-19 can spread from person to person through:

• Current evidence suggests that the virus spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with each other, for example at a conversational distance. The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. Another person can then contract the virus when infectious particles that pass through the air are inhaled at short range (this is often called short-range aerosol or short-range airborne transmission) or if infectious particles come into direct contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth (droplet transmission).
• The virus can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings, where people tend to spend longer periods of time. This is because aerosols can remain suspended in the air or travel farther than conversational distance (this is often called long-range aerosol or long-range airborne transmission).
• People may also become infected when touching their eyes, nose or mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by the virus. 

Understand your risk of COVID-19

Read more about the risk to people with all types of diabetes here.

Symptoms and testing

Learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19, what to do if you are feeling unwell and how testing is conducted here.

Protecting Yourself and Others

There are some practical things that we should all be doing to help stop the spread of COVID-19 including practicing good hygiene and engaging in social distancing.

Diabetes products and medicines

Diabetes Australia is working with the Department of Health to ensure people can continue to access essential diabetes medicines and products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PBS lists medications to reduce COVID-19 severity

Medications that reduce the severity of COVID-19 are now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Read more here.

Services and support

It is important you can continue to access your diabetes healthcare team even if you are in self-isolation.

Be prepared

There are some things people with diabetes can do to help ensure they are as healthy as possible and reduce their risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19. Find out what you should do to be prepared here.

Updated: 19 July 2022