PROACTIVE MEASURES OF PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS TO EXPAND VACCINATION AND ANTIVIRAL CAPACITY

NOTICE PAPER NO. 226

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 6 NOVEMBER 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Dr Hamid Razak

MP for West Coast-Jurong West GRC

Question No. 809

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health given the earlier-than-usual surge in influenza cases this year, what proactive measures is the Ministry taking with primary care providers to (i) expand vaccination and antiviral capacity, (ii) protect vulnerable groups such as seniors and those with chronic illnesses and (iii) manage the potential strain on hospitals during this extended influenza season.

Answer

1        As addressed in the written reply to the Parliamentary Question raised by Mr Gabriel Lam at the 5 November 2025 Parliament Sitting, the increase in influenza activity since August 2025 is not unexpected.  

2        MOH works closely with General Practitioners (GPs) and polyclinics to incorporate influenza vaccination into routine preventive care, with subsidy coverage for eligible individuals. In particular, providers have been advised to encourage vulnerable groups, including children, seniors and individuals with medical conditions to get influenza vaccination. MOH also works with nursing homes to offer influenza vaccination to their residents.

3        Our public hospitals manage high patient volumes daily. During surges, they tap on alternative care models to manage any strain if they emerge, such as the Mobile Inpatient Care at Home (MIC@Home) for suitable patients, and the Transitional Care Facilities (TCFs) for medically stable patients.