With the year-end flu season around the corner, it’s a good time to consider getting your flu shot. While the flu vaccine is strongly recommended for seniors, young children, and individuals with chronic conditions, it’s also encouraged for everyone –even if you’re healthy– as it helps protect both yourself and those around you from influenza.
Here’s what you should know.
How do flu vaccines work?
Flu vaccines train the body’s immune system to recognise and fight influenza viruses. They contain antigens –inactivated or weakened proteins– that stimulate the production of antibodies against influenza A and B viruses.
When exposed to the virus later, your immune system can quickly recognise and fight it, preventing illness or reducing its severity.
Why is it important to get the flu jab?
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe influenza and its complications.
Even healthy adults can experience high fever, fatigue, and respiratory distress from influenza, but for seniors or those with heart, lung, or metabolic diseases, the flu can lead to pneumonia or hospitalisation.
Why doesn’t protection start immediately after vaccination?
It takes about two weeks for your body to build up sufficient antibodies to protect against the flu virus. That’s why experts recommend getting vaccinated ahead of the flu season – ideally in advance of peak infection periods.
Why does the flu vaccine change every year?
Influenza viruses mutate constantly, giving rise to new strains. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) updates its recommendations based on global surveillance of circulating flu viruses in both hemispheres.
Singapore typically uses the Northern Hemisphere vaccine from October to March and the Southern Hemisphere vaccine from April to September.
Do I need to get the flu jab every year?
Yes. Immunity from the vaccine wanes over time, and new strains emerge each year. An annual flu jab ensures that you remain protected against the most current strains.
According to the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), there are no known harmful cumulative effects from getting flu vaccines yearly, even if taken twice in a year due to travel or timing.
How long can the flu vaccine last?
The flu vaccine generally provides protection for about six months to a year. However, because flu viruses constantly mutate, the vaccine is updated annually to match the most common circulating strains. That’s why health authorities recommend getting vaccinated once a year, ideally before the start of the flu season.
When should the flu vaccine be taken?
Vaccination is recommended just before flu season peaks – around October for the Northern Hemisphere formulation and April for the Southern Hemisphere one.
However, since flu viruses circulate year-round in Singapore, vaccination can be done at any time of the year.
Who should get the flu jab?
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and WHO recommend annual flu vaccination for:
- Seniors aged 65 and above
- People with chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, heart disease)
- Pregnant women
- Children under five years old
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
- Travellers heading to countries with ongoing flu activity
Is it safe for children to get the flu jab?
Yes. The flu jab is safe for children from six months of age.
Younger children have developing immune systems, making vaccination an important step in preventing severe illness.
Can I get the flu jab if I already had one earlier this year?
Yes, if the vaccine formulation has changed or you are travelling to another region using a different strain vaccine (e.g., Southern vs Northern Hemisphere).
Both are safe, and there is no harm in receiving two vaccinations within a year if medically indicated.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people experience only mild effects such as:
- Soreness or redness at the injection site
- Mild fever or fatigue
- Muscle aches or headache
- Runny nose or cough
These typically last one to two days. Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare.
What should I do after the flu jab?
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
- Avoid alcohol for 1-2 days
- Stay hydrated and eat well
- Avoid pressing or massaging the injection site
- Monitor for side effects – mild symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, or a low-grade fever are normal and should resolve within a few days.
If you experience persistent fever, severe allergic reactions, or unusual symptoms, you should contact a doctor promptly.
How much does a flu vaccine cost in Singapore?
The flu jab costs between $35-$50 per dose at private clinics and polyclinics. At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we offer it for just $28.
If you are a HealthierSG-enrolled Singapore citizen aged 65 and above or a child below 5 years old, you may be eligible to receive the flu vaccine at no cost under HealthierSG subsidies.
Contact our friendly staff to check your eligibility.
Book your flu jab for peace of mind
Getting vaccinated is a simple but effective step to protect yourself and those around you.
At Prologue The Lifestyle Medical Clinic, getting your flu shot is fast, convenient, and affordable:
- No long waiting times
- Subsidies available for eligible HealthierSG and CHAS participants.
- Only $28 per dose.
- A professional care team that ensures a safe and comfortable experience
If you haven’t had your flu shot this year, now’s the time to schedule it and enjoy peace of mind throughout the flu season.