CDA urges vulnerable groups to get vaccinated amid rising flu cases in Singapore

In light of the increase in influenza cases, individuals at a higher risk of developing severe infections are encouraged to receive the 2026 southern hemisphere (SH) seasonal influenza vaccine if they have not received it previously, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Friday (Sept 4).

This includes seniors aged 65 and above, children aged six months to under five years and other vulnerable groups with underlying medical conditions.

"There is sufficient supply of the 2026 SH seasonal influenza vaccine and individuals may approach their healthcare providers to receive it," said the CDA.

Vaccination appointments can be made at participating CHAS GP clinics at https://vaccine.gov.sg/flu or polyclinics.

Eligible adults aged 18 and above can receive the jab at participating retail pharmacies, while Healthier SG enrollees are encouraged to book an appointment at their enrolled clinic.

The CDA said on Sept 1 that Singapore is experiencing an increase in influenza cases , but there was no indication that infections are more severe than usual.

Seasonal vaccines available from early-October

Seasonal influenza viruses circulate throughout the year, according to national surveillance data, with periods of higher activity typically between May to August and December to March.

Northern hemisphere (NH) seasonal influenza vaccines are typically available in Singapore by end-September.

However, the upcoming 2026-2027 NH seasonal influenza vaccines are expected in early to mid-October 2026, about two weeks later than usual, across both public and private healthcare providers, said CDA.

This is due to an industry-wide delay in developing the latest NH seasonal influenza vaccines, which contain a two-strain change from the 2026 SH seasonal influenza vaccines, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

The Expert Committee on Immunisation has recommended that vulnerable individuals who have not received the 2026 SH vaccine wait for the NH vaccine, which is expected to provide better protection against circulating strains during the upcoming NH season.

Those who want some protection in the interim can receive the SH vaccine now, but should still receive the NH vaccine when it becomes available, with at least eight weeks between doses.

Those who have already received the 2026 SH seasonal influenza vaccine are advised to wait for the next NH vaccine and receive it as their next dose, with a minimum interval of eight weeks between doses.

vulnerable persons such as seniors and those with chronic medical conditions, as well

esther.lam@asiaone.com

鉴于流感病例增加，传染病机构（CDA）周五（9月4日）表示，鼓励有较高风险发生严重感染的人群接种2026年南半球季节性流感疫苗（如果他们以前没有接种过）。

这包括 65 岁及以上的老年人、6 个月至 5 岁以下的儿童以及其他患有基础疾病的弱势群体。

“2026 年 SH 季节性流感疫苗供应充足，民众可以联系他们的医疗保健提供者进行接种，”CDA 表示。

可通过 https://vaccine.gov.sg/flu 在参与 CHAS 的全科诊所或综合诊所预约接种疫苗。

18 岁及以上符合资格的成年人可以在参与活动的零售药房接种疫苗，而“更健康的新加坡”计划的参与者则被鼓励在其注册诊所预约接种。

新加坡疾病控制署 (CDA) 于 9 月 1 日表示，新加坡流感病例有所增加，但没有迹象表明感染比往常更严重。

季节性疫苗从十月初开始供应。

根据国家监测数据，季节性流感病毒全年都在传播，活跃期通常在 5 月至 8 月和 12 月至 3 月之间。

北半球（NH）季节性流感疫苗通常在9月底前在新加坡上市。

加拿大牙科协会表示，即将到来的 2026-2027 年新罕布什尔州季节性流感疫苗预计将于 2026 年 10 月初至中旬推出，比往年晚约两周，公共和私人医疗保健机构都将提供疫苗接种。

这是由于整个行业在开发最新的 NH 季节性流感疫苗方面出现延误，这些疫苗与世界卫生组织建议的 2026 年 SH 季节性流感疫苗相比，毒株数量减少了两个。

免疫专家委员会建议，尚未接种 2026 年 SH 疫苗的弱势群体应等待 NH 疫苗，预计该疫苗将在即将到来的 NH 季节提供更好的保护，以抵御流行的毒株。

那些希望在此期间获得一些保护的人现在可以接种 SH 疫苗，但当 NH 疫苗上市时，仍应接种该疫苗，两剂之间至少间隔八周。

建议已接种 2026 年 SH 季节性流感疫苗的人员等待下一剂 NH 疫苗，并将其作为下一剂接种，两剂之间至少间隔八周。

弱势群体，例如老年人和患有慢性疾病的人，以及

esther.lam@asiaone.com