Types of Flu Vaccine & Schedule
The flu vaccines stocked at our Jurong clinic are inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) — both registered with the HSA and aligned with the strain composition recommended by the World Health Organization for the current flu season. Historically these have been quadrivalent (four-strain) formulations; manufacturers are progressively switching to trivalent (three-strain) formulations as the influenza B/Yamagata lineage is no longer in circulation. Either type provides equivalent protection against the strains currently circulating in Singapore.
Fluarix® Tetra
A quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine by GSK. Approved for use from 6 months of age and above. Contains inactivated (killed) virus particles — cannot cause influenza.
Influvac® Tetra
A quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine by Abbott / Mylan. Approved for use from 6 months of age and above. Available in Singapore as an alternative to Fluarix Tetra.
High-dose flu vaccine for adults 65+
For older adults, high-dose inactivated influenza vaccines (such as Efluelda, by Sanofi) are also available in Singapore at selected clinics. These contain four times the antigen of standard-dose vaccines and have been shown to reduce influenza-related hospitalisations in adults aged 65 and above when compared head-to-head with standard-dose vaccines. Our Jurong clinic stocks the standard-dose options listed above; if a high-dose vaccine is more appropriate for you, your doctor can discuss alternatives or referral.
Northern vs Southern Hemisphere formulations
Singapore sits near the equator and sees flu activity year-round, with two seasonal peaks — one between roughly April and July (Southern Hemisphere season) and another between December and February (Northern Hemisphere season). Each year, the WHO recommends a vaccine composition twice: once for the Northern Hemisphere season (used from around October) and once for the Southern Hemisphere season (used from around April). The two formulations may contain different strains based on what is circulating in each hemisphere.
Our clinic stocks the formulation most appropriate for the time of year — your doctor will let you know which is being administered at your visit.
When should I get vaccinated?
It takes about two weeks after vaccination to build immunity, so getting your flu jab before each season's peak gives you the best protection. As a rough guide for Singapore: the Northern Hemisphere vaccine is typically available from around October (in time for the December–February peak), and the Southern Hemisphere vaccine from around April (for the April–July peak). If you missed the start of the season, it is still worth getting vaccinated — protection lasts several months and flu activity continues year-round in Singapore.
Vaccination Schedule
| Group | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Adults and children aged 9 years and above | 1 dose per year, given annually |
| Children aged 6 months to 8 years — first time receiving flu vaccine | 2 doses, given at least 4 weeks apart, in the first season; 1 dose annually thereafter |
| Severe egg allergy or severe reaction to a previous flu dose | Discuss with your doctor — alternative options or supervised vaccination may be appropriate |
The flu vaccine can be safely co-administered with other vaccines at the same visit (e.g. pneumococcal, COVID-19) — typically in different arms.
