COVID Vaccine Prioritization and T1D FAQ's
Why do we need to advocate for Type 1 Diabetes COVID vaccine access?
Adults with T1D in Massachusetts will receive the COVID-19 vaccine later than others with the same risks. This raises significant concerns for all Massachusetts residents living with T1D.
Is Type 1 Diabetes really not included when Type 2 is?
The current list of included comorbidities can be found on the Massachusetts state website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/certain-medical-conditions-for-phase-2-groups
Why is Type 1 Diabetes not included?
The state is following CDC guidance. The CDC states Type 1 Diabetes "might be at increased risk" based on what they know. This designation is not significant enough to qualify.
What are national diabetes organizations doing to help?
National organizations are focused on their work with the CDC to update federal vaccine guidelines to include T1D as high risk. Effective grassroots, volunteer driven effort, such as this one, will strengthen their efforts.
Vaccine distribution has been challenging, why advocate now?
The difference between Phase 2 and Phase 3 could be months. Every day matters when you are high risk.
What about other priority groups?
Science overwhelmingly supports T1D as a priority group. A data based decision would include Type 1 Diabetes in the existing comorbidity priority groups.
What can I tell my friends about the risks of COVID with Type 1 Diabetes?
Studies show people with T1D are at the same risk as people with T2D. Risks include:
- 3.3x more likely to experience severe illness
- 3.9x greater risk of hospitalization
- 3x more like to die
- People of Color with T1D have 4x the risk of hospitalization due to COVID than Caucasians with T1D
What can friends and family do?
Send them to our website to learn more and find out what they can do!