Flu Vaccine
What is the Flu Vaccine?
The influenza vaccine/ flu vaccine helps to prevent influenza (flu) that is typically caused by Influenza virus Type A and Type B. Contracting influenza typically results in fever, body ache, headache, sore throat and cough.
A single dose is recommended every year, as the flu virus changes rapidly and our body’s immunity against it may decline.
The flu vaccine is typically updated twice a year, during April and September, to cover different strains that is expected to be most common for that season.
Who should take the Flu vaccine?
Everyone should take the flu vaccine. Especially the following:
- Elderly aged 65 years and older
- Pregnant women in any trimester
- Persons with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart, lung, liver and kidney disease
- Persons with lower body resistance to infections due to :
- Conditions such as leukaemia, HIV, spleen removal, or organ transplant
- Using medications or receiving treatment such as taking long-term steroids, certain cancer drugs or radiation therapy
- Residents staying in intermediate or long-term care facilities
- Persons aged 18 years or younger and receiving long-term aspirin therapy
- Children aged 6 months old to 59 months
What are the side effects of the Flu vaccine?
Side effects of the Flu vaccine may include pain or swelling over the injection site, as well as fever, headache, bodyache or tiredness.
These usually go away on their own within 2-3 days. Paracetamol can help to relieve the fever or pain.
Symptoms of severe allergic reaction may include difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face/ eyes/ lips as well as generalised skin rashes. You should see a doctor immediately when experiencing any of these symptoms.
What is the cost of the Flu vaccine?
Government subsidy available for Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, CHAS Blue or Orange, CHAS Green. Please check your eligibility here. Fees include consultation charges and we will advise on the total cost before proceeding with the vaccination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flu Vaccine
Yes, it is possible for you to do so. Our doctor will typically inject the vaccine on separate arms, and will advise you prior to the vaccination.
Inform our doctors if you have past allergies to this vaccine, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
Studies conducted indicate that it is safe to get both the Covid-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time. Nonetheless, you should consult our doctor prior to receiving the vaccination.
The protection will typically be effective 2 weeks after the vaccination.
No. Flu vaccines do not protect against Covid-19 and Covid-19 vaccine does not protect against flu.
Most flu vaccines contain a small amount of egg protein because the viruses used to make the vaccine are incubated in eggs. However, most people with egg allergies do not develop serious side effects after vaccination.
If you have a history of egg allergy and have developed serious reactions in the past, the flu vaccine is not recommended. Please consult our doctors prior to vaccination.
You may consider proceeding with the vaccination if the symptoms are mild, such as runny nose and sore throat without fever. Please consult our doctor who will guide you prior to your vaccination.
It is safe and recommended for pregnant women to get the vaccine, because the risk of developing complications from influenza is higher. You can take it at any stage of your pregnancy.
The flu vaccine contains killed viruses, they will not cause flu symptoms but will activate your immune system to produce antibodies to protect you.
