UPDATE ON SEASONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION

          The Communicable Diseases Agency announced on 1 September 2026 that it has observed an increase in influenza cases in Singapore. There is no indication to suggest that the infections are more severe than usual.

2.         In view of the current increase in influenza activity, individuals at a higher risk of developing severe influenza infections are encouraged to receive the 2026 southern hemisphere (SH) seasonal influenza vaccine if they have not received it previously. These include seniors aged 65 and above, children aged six months to under five years, and other vulnerable groups with underlying medical conditions.

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

4.         individuals may book their influenza vaccination appointments at participating Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) general practitioner (GP) clinics at https://vaccine.gov.sg/flu ↗ (opens in new tab) or polyclinics. Eligible adults aged 18 and above may also receive influenza vaccination at participating retail pharmacies. Healthier SG enrollees are encouraged to book their vaccination appointment at their enrolled clinic.

2026-2027 NH seasonal influenza vaccines available from early-October

5.         National surveillance data indicates that seasonal influenza viruses circulate throughout the year, with periods of higher activity typically observed between May to August and December to March. These peaks correspond approximately with influenza seasons in temperate regions of the southern (generally from April to September) and northern hemispheres (generally from October to March).

6.         Northern hemisphere (NH) seasonal influenza vaccines are typically available in Singapore by end-September each year, ahead of the NH influenza season which generally runs from October to March. However, based on the current supply information from pharmaceutical companies, the upcoming 2026-2027 NH seasonal influenza vaccines are expected to be available locally across both public and private healthcare providers in early to mid-October 2026, approximately two weeks later than usual.

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

Recommended interim vaccination approach

8.         The Expert Committee on Immunisation has reviewed the situation and recommends the following interim approach for individuals in the recommended groups during this period:

a)         Individuals in the recommended groups are advised to receive their 2026-2027 NH seasonal influenza vaccine when supply is available. The 2026-2027 NH seasonal influenza vaccine is expected to confer better protection against circulating influenza strains in the upcoming NH season and is therefore the preferred vaccine for persons in the recommended groups.

b)         However, individuals in the recommended groups who have not previously received the 2026 SH seasonal influenza vaccine and wish to receive some protection in the interim are encouraged to do so. These individuals should nonetheless receive the 2026-2027 NH seasonal influenza vaccine when it becomes available, with a minimum interval of eight weeks between doses.

c)         Individuals who have already received the 2026 SH seasonal influenza vaccine are advised to wait for the 2026-2027 NH vaccine to become available and receive it as their next dose, with a minimum interval of eight weeks between doses.

9.         Polyclinics and CHAS GP clinics will reach out to affected patients who have already booked their influenza vaccination appointments to reschedule them. Affected patients who have not yet been contacted can expect to hear from their clinics soon.

Exercising personal and social responsibility

10.         Persons with mild acute respiratory infection symptoms should stay at home until their symptoms resolve. If there is a need to go out while symptomatic, individuals should exercise social responsibility by minimising social interactions, wearing a mask, and avoiding crowded places or meeting medically vulnerable persons. Medically vulnerable persons such as seniors and those with chronic medical conditions, as well as persons with severe, prolonged, or worsening symptoms, should see a doctor.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AGENCY

4 SEPTEMBER 2026