Flu vaccination: who should get it, and when

Influenza, or flu, is more than a bad cold. Most people recover within a week, but for older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with long-term conditions it can lead to pneumonia, hospital stays and time off work or school. A yearly flu vaccination is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people around you.

Flu in Singapore

In Singapore, flu circulates all year round, with peaks that often come in the middle and at the end of the year. Travel, crowded workplaces and school terms all help it spread. That is why a flu jab is worth having at any time of year, not only before a winter trip.

Why you need it every year

Flu viruses change from season to season, and the vaccine is updated each year to match the strains expected to circulate. Protection from the vaccine also fades over time. One dose a year keeps you covered.

Who should get vaccinated

Flu vaccination is suitable for most people aged 6 months and above. It is especially recommended if you:

• are aged 65 or above
• have a long-term condition such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease
• have a weakened immune system
• are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy
• live with or care for young children, older adults or someone who is unwell
• work in healthcare, or travel often

What to expect

The vaccination is a single injection in the upper arm and takes only a few minutes. The vaccine does not contain live virus, so it cannot give you flu. Your body takes about two weeks to build protection.

Common side effects are mild and settle within a day or two:

• soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
• a mild fever, tiredness or aching muscles

When to wait or check first

Let the doctor know before your vaccination if you:

• have had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine before
• are unwell with a fever on the day, in which case it is best to wait until you recover
• have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome

This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your doctor.