Vaccination · Influenza

Flu Vaccine in Singapore

Name: Flu Vaccine in Singapore
Creator: Dr Joel Foo

Fluarix Tetra inactivated influenza vaccine box by GSK, a flu vaccine used in Singapore

Fluarix® Tetra — inactivated influenza vaccine by GSK, from 6 months of age

MediSave-Claimable
One Dose a Year
From 6 Months Old
Same-Day Appointment

The annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and above, and matters most for older adults, young children, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic condition. Our clinics stock both Northern and Southern Hemisphere formulations, and the vaccine is MediSave-claimable for eligible recipients.

Vaccine Name	Fluarix® Tetra, Influvac® Tetra
Protects Against	Seasonal influenza A (H1N1, H3N2) and influenza B
Vaccine Type	Inactivated (non-live) — cannot give you flu
Schedule	1 dose a year — 2 doses 4 weeks apart in the first season for children aged 6 months to 8 years
Best timing	Before each season's peak — about 2 weeks to build protection
Price	From $0 NETT per dose with CHAS, PG, MG or NCIS subsidies · $38.15 unsubsidised · MediSave-claimable
Where	Jurong (Dr Joel), Tanjong Pagar, Orchard and Novena — each a 2 to 5 minute walk from an MRT station. See addresses
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Medically Reviewed By: Dr Joel Foo MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Ed), DWD (CAW), GDFM Men's Health Doctor & Family Physician

Last updated: Aug 14, 2026

What Does the Flu Vaccine Protect Against?

The seasonal influenza vaccine protects against the strains of influenza A and influenza B virus expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season. Flu vaccines used in Singapore have historically been quadrivalent (covering two influenza A subtypes — typically H1N1 and H3N2 — and two influenza B lineages, Victoria and Yamagata). Following the global decline of the B/Yamagata lineage (not detected in routine surveillance since 2020), the WHO has recommended transitioning to trivalent formulations that drop the Yamagata component. Both quadrivalent and trivalent vaccines are in use during this transition; the exact composition of each season's vaccine reflects the latest WHO guidance.

Influenza is usually self-limiting in healthy younger adults, but it can be serious in older adults, young children, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic conditions. According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza causes around a billion cases worldwide each year — including 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths. Complications include bacterial pneumonia, worsening of chronic heart and lung conditions, and hospitalisation.

The flu vaccine does not contain live virus and cannot give you flu. Protection builds over the following fortnight and lasts several months — roughly the length of one flu season, which is why the dose is repeated each year.

Should I Get the Flu Vaccine?

HPB recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and above. It is particularly important for groups at higher risk of severe influenza, listed in Singapore's National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) and National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS):

Children aged 6 months to 59 months
Adults aged 65 and above
Adults and children with chronic medical conditions — diabetes, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease (including asthma), chronic liver or kidney disease
Adults who are immunocompromised — for example, on cancer treatment, long-term steroids, biologics, or living with HIV
Residents of intermediate or long-term care facilities
Children aged 18 years or younger on long-term aspirin therapy
Pregnant individuals during any stage of pregnancy

Beyond the official NAIS list, international guidance (US CDC / WHO) also recommends vaccinating household and close contacts of high-risk individuals — known as “cocooning” — to help shield those most vulnerable. This is good practice even where not explicitly on Singapore's NAIS.

Even healthy adults outside these groups benefit from the flu vaccine. The flu can keep you off work for a week, infect family members, and is unpredictable in severity year to year. A short annual appointment is the most reliable way to reduce that risk.

Types of Flu Vaccine & Schedule

We stock two inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV): Fluarix® Tetra (GSK) and Influvac® Tetra (Abbott / Mylan). Both are registered with the HSA, both are approved from 6 months of age, and both are matched to the strain composition the World Health Organization recommends for the current season. They are clinically equivalent, so whichever is in stock on the day is the one you will be offered.

High-dose flu vaccine for adults 65+

For older adults, high-dose inactivated influenza vaccines (such as Efluelda, by Sanofi) are also available in Singapore at selected clinics. These contain four times the antigen of standard-dose vaccines and have been shown to reduce influenza-related hospitalisations in adults aged 65 and above when compared head-to-head with standard-dose vaccines. Our Jurong clinic stocks the standard-dose options listed above; if a high-dose vaccine is more appropriate for you, your doctor can discuss alternatives or referral.

Hemisphere formulations & when to get vaccinated

Singapore sits near the equator and sees flu activity year-round, with two seasonal peaks. The WHO issues a vaccine composition for each — and because it takes about two weeks to build immunity, the aim is to be vaccinated before the peak:

Southern Hemisphere formulation — available from around April, for the April–July peak
Northern Hemisphere formulation — available from around October, for the December–February peak

The two may contain different strains depending on what is circulating in each hemisphere. We stock whichever suits the time of year, and your doctor will confirm which one you are given. If you have missed the start of a season it is still worth going — protection lasts several months and flu circulates here all year.

Vaccination Schedule

Flu vaccination schedule by age group
Group	Schedule
Adults and children aged 9 years and above	1 dose per year, given annually
Children aged 6 months to 8 years — first time receiving flu vaccine	2 doses, given at least 4 weeks apart, in the first season; 1 dose annually thereafter
Severe egg allergy or severe reaction to a previous flu dose	Discuss with your doctor — alternative options or supervised vaccination may be appropriate

The flu vaccine can be safely co-administered with other vaccines at the same visit (e.g. pneumococcal, COVID-19) — typically in different arms.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Short consultation — your doctor reviews your medical history, allergies, any current illness, and confirms which flu formulation is appropriate (Northern or Southern Hemisphere). Takes around 10–15 minutes.
Vaccine administered — a single injection into the upper arm (for adults and older children) or upper thigh (for infants). Takes seconds.
Brief observation — a short wait (typically 15 minutes) to check for any immediate reactions.
Annual reminder — your vaccination is noted on the National Immunisation Registry where applicable. Your next dose is due about a year later.

Common side effects

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site for 1–2 days
Mild fever, muscle aches or tiredness
Mild headache
Occasionally, mild nausea

Serious reactions are rare. Seek urgent medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, facial swelling), a widespread itchy rash, or a high persistent fever.

Precautions

Let your doctor know if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or any of its components, if you have an active fever or moderate-to-severe illness on the day of the appointment, or if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous flu vaccination. Modern flu vaccines contain only trace amounts of egg protein, and current international guidance considers them safe even for most people with egg allergy — but flag this with your doctor so the right vaccine and setting can be confirmed.

Pregnancy and the flu vaccine

The inactivated flu vaccine is recommended in pregnancy at any stage. Influenza in pregnancy carries a higher risk of severe illness for the mother and adverse outcomes for the baby; vaccination protects both, and antibody transfer offers the newborn some protection in the early months.

Due for your annual flu vaccine?

Northern or Southern Hemisphere formulation, depending on the time of year — our team will pick the right one and confirm MediSave eligibility. Same-day appointments available at our clinics.

Book Your Appointment Today

Flu Vaccine Price in Singapore

The seasonal flu vaccine is on Singapore's Nationally Recommended Vaccines list — MediSave-claimable for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (subject to annual withdrawal limits). Children may also receive subsidised vaccination under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), and CHAS / Pioneer Generation / Merdeka Generation subsidies further reduce the out-of-pocket cost.

Flu vaccine pricing per dose at our clinics
Patient Category	Price*
Public / non-residents	$38.15 per dose
Eligible subsidised patients (Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, CHAS, NCIS-eligible babies/newborns)	$0 to $35 per dose

^* Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST. Consultation fees are charged separately. Final out-of-pocket cost depends on your subsidy tier and whether MediSave is used.

Last updated: Jun 26, 2026. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please WhatsApp 8095 3275 to confirm the latest rates.

Get in Touch

How Do I Book a Flu Vaccination?

Fill in the form below, or WhatsApp us on 8095 3275.

The ATA Medical team with Dr Joel Foo at the Tanjong Pagar clinic, Singapore

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FAQ

Flu Vaccine: Common Questions

What adults and parents in Singapore most often ask about the flu vaccine.

Who should get the flu vaccine in Singapore?

HPB recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and above. Higher-risk groups under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) and National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) include: children aged 6 months to 59 months, adults aged 65 and above, adults and children with chronic conditions (diabetes, heart, lung — including asthma — liver or kidney disease), immunocompromised individuals, residents of long-term care facilities, children aged 18 years or younger on long-term aspirin therapy, and pregnant individuals at any stage of pregnancy. Household and close contacts of these higher-risk groups also benefit from yearly vaccination.

How often do I need the flu vaccine?

Once a year. Influenza viruses change over time, and protection from the previous year's vaccine fades — so an annual dose is recommended. Most adults need a single dose each year. Children aged 6 months to 8 years receiving the flu vaccine for the very first time typically need 2 doses, given at least 4 weeks apart, in their first season.

When is flu season in Singapore?

Singapore sits near the equator and sees flu activity year-round, with two peaks: one around April to July (Southern Hemisphere season) and another around December to February (Northern Hemisphere season). Because of this, both Northern and Southern Hemisphere flu vaccine formulations are used in Singapore. Your doctor will offer the most current formulation based on the timing of your visit.

What is the difference between Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere flu vaccines?

Each year, the World Health Organization reviews circulating influenza strains and recommends a vaccine composition twice a year — once for the Northern Hemisphere season (used from around October) and once for the Southern Hemisphere season (used from around April). The two formulations may contain different strains of influenza A (H1N1, H3N2) and influenza B based on what is circulating in each hemisphere. In Singapore, both are used depending on the time of year.

Is the flu vaccine MediSave-claimable in Singapore?

Yes. The seasonal influenza vaccine is on Singapore's Nationally Recommended Vaccines list. Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), MediSave can be used by adult Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to pay for the vaccine, subject to annual withdrawal limits set by MOH. Children eligible under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) may also receive subsidised vaccination. Our team will confirm your eligibility and process the claim at your visit.

Can I get the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?

Yes. The flu vaccine can be safely co-administered with most other vaccines at the same visit — for example, alongside the pneumococcal vaccine in older adults or alongside COVID-19 boosters. Different vaccines are usually given in different arms or at separate injection sites. Your doctor will confirm the right combination based on your medical history.

What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?

Dr Joel Foo - Men’s Health Doctor 21 Jurong Gateway Rd, #02-07 CPF Jurong Building, Singapore 608546 Directions

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Flu Vaccine
in Singapore

WhatsApp us for a same-day appointment at any of our clinics — Fluarix Tetra and Influvac Tetra, MediSave-claimable for eligible recipients.

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