Is the flu vaccine a trigger for type 1 diabetes?

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Every year we hear recommendations from doctors that we should get the flu shot. There are certain age groups that are highly recommended to get the vaccine, specifically the very young and the very old.

Part of developing a cure for diseases such as Type 1 diabetes is to find the actual cause or trigger that starts the onset of the disease. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops producing insulin. The trigger for this action can be linked to the immune system.

Can getting the flu vaccine trigger type 1 diabetes?

I don’t have any scientific or medical research to back up the theory that flu vaccines can trigger type 1 diabetes. All I do know is that I have read several instances in diabetes forums where a child was given a flu vaccine and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes shortly after.

I even have a niece that got the flu vaccine and was also diagnosed shortly after with type 1 diabetes at the age of 10.

There is research to show that type 1 diabetes is linked to a weakened immune system that somehow triggers the whole process that shuts the pancreas down.

I don’t need any proven research to make my decision on whether to get the flu vaccine or give it to my kids. All I have to ask myself is: Would I rather have the flu or type 1 diabetes?

I will go with the flu. What about you?

Diabetes Info