Influenza vaccine: What it is and who needs it

Influenza is a highly infectious respiratory illness which is most prevalent during the two main influenza seasons in Singapore – May to July, and December to February. Influenza may appear to be a mild ailment, but it isn’t always so. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and even death in vulnerable patients.

According to the Ministry of Health, influenza-associated hospitalisation in Singapore is estimated to be 29.6 per 100,000 people, or about 1,500 patients annually.

The term ‘flu’ is commonly used to refer to a variety of symptoms such as running nose, fever and cough, and also used to describe influenza. In reality, these symptoms fall under acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).

Influenza is a different condition from URTI, and is caused by the influenza viruses. It can affect the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs. Its symptoms include persistent high fever, chills, severe headache, muscle ache and extreme exhaustion.

What is the influenza vaccine?

The influenza vaccine specifically protects against the influenza viruses. Only one dose of the vaccine is required, and it takes about two weeks for protection to develop. It’s advisable to get vaccinated before the influenza season starts. A yearly vaccination is recommended as your body’s immunity declines over time.

Who should get the influenza vaccine?

MOH recommends that everyone above the age of six months, especially those at higher risk of developing complications from influenza, get vaccinated annually. These high-risk individuals include:

• Adults aged 65 and above

• Children aged six months to five years

• All those suffering from diabetes, asthma, chronic disorders of the lungs, heart, kidney, liver, cancer, HIV

• Pregnant women

• Healthcare workers

• Frequent travellers

Any side effects which develop after you receive the influenza vaccine, e.g. redness/swelling at the vaccine site, muscle aches, low-grade fever, headache, runny nose, cough, usually subside after a couple of days.

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