Covid-19 Information:
Reviewed July 2022
This is current at the time of writing however the recommendations are regularly changing. Please click the links attached for further information.
In the current global situation concerning the coronavirus (COVID–19), we understand many families have questions about the risk to children with diabetes and should children be vaccinated. The risk of contracting the virus for children with type 1 diabetes is similar to the rest of the general population. Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes are not considered to be immunocompromised. There have been some messages in the media that people with diabetes are more susceptible to COVID-19, however this is more relevant to older people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes (who often have additional health conditions / risks) and not children. Reports in medical literature indicate that symptoms of Covid19 in people with Type 1 diabetes are similar to symptoms in people without diabetes. However, as with any generalised illness in children with type 1 diabetes, more marked fluctuations in blood glucose levels can result. As usual, if your child becomes unwell, the sick day management plan that includes regular monitoring of glucose levels, ketones and insulin dose adjustments should be followed. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an additional risk for people with diabetes who become unwell with any infection; please remember if your child is unwell, ketone levels should be checked regularly (regardless of BGL).
Call your GP for a medical review for any illness, based on the government recommendations for illnesses with fevers or respiratory symptoms. If your child has symptoms of possible Covid19 you should follow the government guidelines: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria - Better Health Channel.
Standard COVID-safe precautions continue to be recommended. These include the use of face masks where directed, taking extra care with frequent hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding contact with anyone with flu like symptoms and getting tested for COVID if any relevant symptoms are present. These symptoms may by respiratory symptoms but can also include an unexplained fever, diarrhoea or loss of a sense of smell.
RCH COVID-19 information
Diabetes appointments:
COVID management guidelines are unfortunately changing frequently, so significant flexibility regarding appointments is required. By now, most families will be familiar with the RCH telehealth platform
Please read any appointment text message carefully as it may have information about appointment changes. For any appointment queries, phone RCH specialist clinics on 9345 6180.
For telehealth appointments, HbA1c levels can be done at a local pathology service 1 week prior to your diabetes clinic appointment. Alternatively, you can bring your child to A6 pathology the week before your appointment to get the test done via a fingerprick. All HbA1c tests require a pathology form. These are given to you at each clinic to have ready for your next appointment.
Telehealth guide for outpatient clinic
COVID vaccinations:
On the back of the COVID-19 vaccine being approved in Australia for children aged 5 and over, right now is a timely opportunity to chat about the vaccine in kids. Is it safe? How does it work? Why do children need to be vaccinated?
We recommend that all children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes who meet the age eligibility be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have one of the very few and rare medical contraindications. These contraindication are NOT related to having type 1 diabetes.
If proof of diabetes is required by the immunisation provider, a valid insulin prescription or your NDSS card should suffice.
Government information about COVID-19 vaccinations
Government information regarding COVID vaccinations for children aged 5 - 11
COVID 19 vaccine information in multiple languages
RCH Immunisation Service
RCH Kids Health Info Podcasts to answers lots of common concerns and questions
RCH Kids Health information
COVID booster information
https://www.health.gov.au/news/top-3-covid-19-vaccine-questions-children-and-vaccine-11-year-olds-and-vaccine-and-boosters-for-ages-12-17
Mental health support:
COVID-19 may have added noticeable extra stress and concern
to child, adolescent, yourself as a parent and your family in general as we
continue to find new ways of interacting with our community and family. This is
a new environment that at times is complex and difficult to navigate, some
resources that can support you during this time are below:
-
Headspace have developed a range of online resources for
young people and their families for COVID related stressors, anxiety and family
conflict https://headspace.org.au/covid-19/
Tuning in to Kids are evidence-based programs that have
proven success in improving parenting, parent-child relationships and
children’s emotional competence and behaviour https://tuningintokids.org.au/parents/subscribe-to-tikol/
If in times of crisis and needing phone support after hours
relating to mental health or distress, consider the following numbers:
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- Youth Beyond Blue 1300 224 636