Influenza (Flu) Vaccine in Singapore
Stay Up to Date With Your Protection
Conveniently located in Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East & Novena
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician
Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated:
Why Is the Influenza / Flu Vaccine Important?
The flu vaccine helps protect against the influenza virus, which spreads easily through droplets released when someone coughs, sneezes or even talks.
Vaccination can lower your risk of serious problems such as pneumonia, hospital stays and even death,
especially if you are at higher risk of complications. It also helps reduce the spread of flu in the
community, which can help protect the people around you.
The flu vaccine is updated regularly to target the most common flu strains each season. In Singapore, flu vaccination is typically recommended once or twice a year, as strains from both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere flu seasons circulate here.
Fluarix Tetra Vaccine (sample): A quadrivalent flu vaccine that protects against four influenza virus strains each season.
Influvac Tetra Vaccine (sample): Offers seasonal protection against two A and two B influenza virus strains, suitable for adults and seniors.
What Are the Symptoms of Influenza (Flu)?
Flu symptoms usually start suddenly, unlike the common cold, which tends to build up gradually. The symptoms can range from mild to severe:
- Fever and chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Muscle aches and tiredness
- Headache
- Blocked or runny nose
The flu can be more serious for older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is generally well tolerated, and most people have little to no side effects. Any side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days:
- Soreness, redness or slight swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade fever or tiredness
- Muscle aches or headache
Serious allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat, are very
uncommon. Let your doctor know before vaccination if you have had an allergic reaction to a vaccine or to
ingredients such as egg protein.
For most people, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the small risk of side effects.
Who Should Get the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended for most people and is especially important for those at higher risk of complications:
- Children aged 6 months and above — Young children are more likely to develop severe complications from the flu.
- Adults aged 65 and above — Older adults tend to have weaker immune systems and a higher risk of being hospitalised with the flu.
- Pregnant women — The flu vaccine can be given during pregnancy and helps protect both mother and baby.
- People with long-term conditions — People with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system are generally advised to get vaccinated to lower their risk of serious illness.
- Healthcare workers and caregivers — Vaccination helps protect the people they care for, especially those who are more vulnerable.
How Is the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Given?
The flu vaccine is given as a single injection, usually in the upper arm. It takes about two weeks after the injection for the body to build protection.
Influenza (Flu) Treatment
For most healthy people, the flu clears up on its own within a week or so. Resting, drinking plenty of
fluids and taking over-the-counter medicines for fever and pain can help ease the symptoms.
Antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) can shorten the illness and
reduce the risk of complications, especially for people at higher risk. They need to be taken early,
usually within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Shortness of breath, chest pain, a persistent high fever, or symptoms that worsen, do not improve or
return after improving should generally be medically assessed. At Singapore Women's Clinic, we provide
flu assessments and treatment, including antiviral medicines when appropriate.
Influenza / Flu Vaccine Cost in Singapore
At Singapore Women's Clinic, we offer the influenza vaccine for the current flu season, as well as flu testing and treatment.
| Vaccination | Price* |
|---|---|
| Influenza Vaccine | $38.15 / dose |
| Subsidised Vaccination (Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, CHAS, Babies & Newborn) | From $0 to $35 / dose |
| Influenza Rapid Test (RIDT) | $38.15 / test |
| Treatment for flu: Starflu 75mg / Oseltamivir (Generic version of Tamiflu) | $49.05 / 10 capsules |
| Travel Medicines | |
| Malaria Pills (Doxycycline / Malarone) | From $1.09 / tab |
| Period Delay Pill (Norethisterone 5 mg) | $0.76 / tab |
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Payment Options We Accept
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Subsidies in Singapore
Singapore citizens can receive flu vaccine subsidies under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Pioneer Generation (PG) and Merdeka Generation (MG) schemes at participating GP clinics and polyclinics. Permanent residents (PRs) in eligible age groups or with certain medical conditions can receive subsidised vaccination at polyclinics. MediSave can also be used to pay for flu vaccination at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics.
Why Choose Our Vaccination Services?
Same-Day Appointments
Book in the morning and have your vaccination the same day, at any of our clinics.
One-Stop Clinic
Get several vaccines in one visit, so you are not making a separate trip for each one.
Proof of Vaccination
Receive official documentation at no extra cost, for travel, school or work.
