Influenza (Flu) Vaccine in Singapore
Importance of Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
The influenza vaccine is strongly recommended in Singapore to provide essential protection against the flu, a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It not only shields individuals from contracting the flu but also helps reduce the severity of symptoms and lowers the risk of complications. This is particularly crucial for high-risk groups, as influenza can lead to serious respiratory problems. By getting vaccinated, you protect your health and contribute to community immunity, safeguarding vulnerable groups like infants and those with certain health conditions.
Influenza Symptoms
Symptoms of influenza can range from mild to severe and generally appear within 1 to 4 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Muscle or body aches
- Occasionally vomiting and diarrhoea, more common in children
Symptoms can vary in intensity and may lead to serious complications, particularly in high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma or heart disease. Possible complications include sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
How Does the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Work?
The influenza vaccine triggers your immune system to create antibodies, providing protection against multiple strains of the influenza virus. It is designed to protect against the strains that are most likely to spread each year.
Who Is the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Recommended for?
As per the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) and National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), the influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone, especially those in high-risk groups, including:
- Children aged 6 to 59 months
- Older Adults aged 65 and above
- Pregnant individuals at any stage of pregnancy
- People with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, lung disease, heart disease or kidney disease
- Those with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions (e.g., HIV, leukaemia, spleen removal or organ transplant) or treatments (e.g., certain cancer drugs, radiation or long-term steroid use)
- Individuals living in long-term care facilities
- Individuals aged 18 years and below on long-term aspirin therapy
Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Route of Administration
The vaccine is typically given as an injection in the upper arm muscle.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Dose & Schedule
Currently, the recommended dosage for the influenza vaccine is as follows:
| Age Group | Vaccine Dosage & Schedule |
|---|---|
| Adults and Children 6 months and older |
1 dose. A booster is recommended every year to coincide with the peak of the flu season in Singapore. |
How Long Does the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Last?
The influenza vaccine typically provides protection for about a year. Annual vaccination is recommended to maintain immunity against the virus strains most likely to circulate.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Side Effects
Some people may experience minor side effects such as dizziness, pain or redness at the injection site, nausea, low-grade fever, fatigue and mild headaches. These reactions are usually mild and temporary, but you should seek medical advice if they persist or worsen.
Uncommon but Severe Reactions to Look Out for After Your Vaccination
In rare cases, vaccinations may trigger severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face or eyes,
breathing difficulties, or widespread itchy rashes. Should any of these symptoms occur, immediate
medical attention is required.
Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of potential side effects. The
information provided should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor if you
have any concerns before receiving a vaccination.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Price in Singapore
| Vaccination | Price* |
|---|---|
| Influenza Vaccine | $38.15/dose |
| Subsidised Vaccination (Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, CHAS and Babies / Newborn) | From $0 to $35/dose |
| Influenza Rapid Test (RIDT) | $38.15 |
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
For home-based, group, or corporate
vaccinations, please contact us for more information.
How Do I Book a Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Appointment in Singapore?
Why Use Us?
Same Day Appointment
Get your vaccinations done quickly at our travel clinics.
Vaccination Proof
Certificates of immunisation will be provided.
Friendly Staff
Customer service is a top priority for us at ATA Medical.
Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this will allow you to keep a record of the vaccinations.
The Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a vital role in strengthening the immune system, enabling it to more effectively combat specific
infectious diseases. By reducing the likelihood of contracting serious illnesses, vaccinations help decrease the
need for frequent doctor visits and significantly lower the risk of hospitalisation.
Keeping up with recommended vaccinations allows individuals to lead a healthier lifestyle, confidently engaging in
social activities with the assurance that they are protected against contagious diseases.
At healthscreening.sg, we offer a comprehensive range of
vaccination options tailored to your health needs, from travel-related to seasonal protection, ensuring your
health is thoroughly safeguarded. Your vaccination will be updated in the National
Immunisation Registry (NIR) where applicable, allowing you to maintain a record of your immunisations.
Travel Clinics in Singapore
ATA Medical is conveniently located at two different locations:
- Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
- Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)
Navigate Easy With Google Maps
Health Screening Singapore
(Anson House)
Health Screening Singapore
(Camden Medical Centre)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At healthscreening.sg, we offer the influenza vaccine for $38.15 NETT, inclusive of GST. However, prices can range from $0 to $35, depending on available subsidies such as CHAS, PG, and MG for eligible individuals, including babies and newborns. Please contact us for more information regarding eligibility.
The ideal time to get a flu shot in Singapore is before the peak flu season, which usually occurs between April and July, or between November and January.
Singapore primarily uses the quadrivalent influenza vaccine, which offers protection against four strains of the flu virus. At healthscreening.sg, we offer this vaccine for $38.15 NETT, inclusive of GST. Subsidies such as CHAS, PG, and MG are available. Please contact us for more information.
You should get the influenza shot annually, ideally before the start of flu season (April to July; November to January) to ensure optimal protection.
The flu jab is not completely free at polyclinics, but substantial subsidies are available for Singaporean citizens, particularly for children, seniors, and individuals with chronic health conditions through schemes like CHAS, Pioneer Generation, and Merdeka Generation. These subsidies are also offered at healthscreening.sg, where vaccination prices range from $0 to $35, depending on eligibility. Contact us for more information.
The influenza vaccine provides protection for about a year. Annual vaccination is recommended to protect against the flu strains most likely to spread each season.
The flu vaccine may be free or heavily subsidised for certain groups, including seniors, children, and individuals with specific medical conditions, at public healthcare institutions under government subsidy schemes like CHAS, Merdeka Generation, or Pioneer Generation. These subsidies are also available at healthscreening.sg, where vaccination prices may range from $0 to $35 depending on your eligibility. Contact us for more information.
The influenza vaccine is highly recommended, especially for high-risk individuals such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma or kidney disease.
It's not too late to get a flu shot, even during flu season. The vaccine can still provide protection and help reduce the severity of symptoms if you contract the virus. Annual vaccination is recommended.
There are no specific foods to avoid after getting the flu vaccine, but it's advisable to maintain a balanced, healthy diet to support your immune system.
The quadrivalent influenza vaccine, commonly used in Singapore, is recommended as it protects against four different strains of the virus, offering broader protection. At healthscreening.sg, we offer the vaccine for $38.15 NETT, inclusive of GST. Prices may range from $0 to $35 with subsidies like CHAS, PG, and MG for eligible individuals, including babies and newborns. Contact us for more information on eligibility.
The flu vaccine is effective for about one year, as immunity wanes over time and flu strains change annually. It is recommended to get vaccinated annually before flu season in Singapore.
It's generally recommended to wait until you recover from an acute illness with a fever before getting the flu shot.
You should receive the influenza vaccine annually to ensure continued protection against the flu strains most likely to circulate each year.
The influenza vaccine is needed once a year to ensure continued protection against evolving flu strains.