When Should Your Patients with Diabetes Get Their Flu Shots?

Given the unpredictability of influenza and the increased risk for those with diabetes, the CDC recommends that…

The CDC encouraged pharmacists and other health care providers to get an early jump on the flu season and recommended that their patients with diabetes get their flu shots now.

As demonstrated by the 2012–13 season, influenza activity can begin early and cause severe illness. Therefore, CDC is encouraging providers to begin vaccinating patients as soon as vaccine is available in their community. The flu vaccine is recommended for most individuals 6 months or older, with few exceptions.

A high number of vaccine options are available for the 2013–14 influenza season. Therefore, CDC noted that "it is increasingly important for both providers and patients to have access to the most up-to-date resources. All providers are encouraged to review this information and be ready to answer questions and recommend the appropriate vaccine for your patients."

Vaccine information for the 2013-2014 flu season is available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/vaccines.htm.