Singapore urges vulnerable groups to get flu vaccines as cases rise and vaccine delays loom

Singapore health authorities advise high-risk groups, including seniors and young children, to secure flu vaccinations amid increasing cases and delayed Northern Hemisphere vaccine arrival.

Singapore is urging older adults, young children and people with existing medical conditions to get flu jabs after a rise in influenza cases was detected at the end of August. In a joint statement on 4 September, the Ministry of Health and the Communicable Diseases Agency said those most at risk of severe illness should receive the 2026 Southern Hemisphere seasonal influenza vaccine if they have not already done so.

The advice covers people aged 65 and above, children aged six months to under five years, and those with underlying medical conditions. Health officials said appointments can be made at participating polyclinics or Community Health Assist Scheme general practitioner clinics, and they said vaccine supply is sufficient.

The agencies said seasonal influenza continues to circulate in Singapore throughout the year, with peaks typically seen from May to August and from December to March. They added that the recent increase in cases does not appear to be more severe than usual.

There is also a delay in the arrival of the Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine, which is usually used for the October-to-March season. It is now expected in early to mid-October, around two weeks later than normal, because of an industry-wide delay in developing the latest vaccines. Until then, the national Expert Committee on Immunisation has recommended an interim approach: people in the advised groups should take the Southern Hemisphere shot first if they have not already, then still receive the Northern Hemisphere vaccine once it becomes available, leaving at least eight weeks between doses. Those with mild cold or flu-like symptoms are also being asked to stay home until they recover.