Announcement: Our clinic is now named Love & Joy Family Clinic, formerly Virtue Medical Clinic (Sunset Way), rest-assured that everything else remains the same. 

Influenza & the new RSV vaccine (AREXVY)

Influenza Vaccination

What is the flu vaccination?

Influenza vaccination protects against a severe form of respiratory infection caused by the Influenza virus Type A and Type B. Catching influenza often results in high fever, malaise, fatigue, body ache, headache, sore throat and cough, and more significantly, there is a risk of complications such as pneumonia.

Influenza infections occur all year round in Singapore with small spikes in the middle and the end/beginning of the year.

As such the flu vaccine is updated twice a year, typically during April and September to cover different strains that are expected to be most common for that season.

A single dose is recommended annually or per season (twice a year), depending on your medical status, as the flu virus changes rapidly and our body’s immunity against it may decline.

Who should take the flu vaccine?

Influenza vaccination is strongly recommended for all ages from 6 months old to elderly.

It is especially important for those individuals who are high-risk for complications due to medical conditions such as diabetes, lung conditions, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, immunosuppressed state from medications, as well as all pregnant females, children 5 years and below, and adults 65 years and above. In fact, government subsidies are applicable to those high-risk persons for their annual flu vaccination.

Why is Flu Vaccination Important?

Prevents Severe Illness

The flu vaccine reduces the risk of severe flu-related complications, including pneumonia and hospitalization.

Protects Vulnerable Populations

Vaccination helps shield high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

Reduces Community Spread

When more people are vaccinated, the overall spread of the virus is minimized, offering protection to those who cannot be vaccinated.

Decreases Healthcare Burden

Preventing flu cases reduces the strain on healthcare systems, particularly during peak flu seasons.

When Should You Get the Flu Vaccination?

The flu vaccine is typically administered annually, as flu viruses evolve each year. The best time to get vaccinated is before the flu season begins, usually in autumn or early winter. However, you can still benefit from the vaccine later in the season.

How Does the Flu Vaccination Work?

The vaccine introduces antigens from the flu virus into your body, triggering your immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies remain active for the flu season, ready to fight off infection if you are exposed to the virus.

Types of Vaccines:

  • Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV): Contains killed virus particles and is administered as an injection.
  • Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV): A weakened form of the virus delivered via nasal spray, suitable for certain age groups.

Effectiveness

The flu vaccine reduces the risk of illness by approximately 40-60% depending on the match between the vaccine and circulating flu strains.

The flu vaccination is a simple yet powerful tool to safeguard your health and that of your community. By staying informed about when, where, and how to get vaccinated, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the flu. Make the flu vaccine part of your annual health routine to ensure a healthier flu season for everyone.

How much does the flu vaccine cost?

The flu vaccine is free for all Singaporean citizens from 6 months to 5 years old, and heavily subsidised for high-risk persons such as those above 65 years old or pregnant or with medical conditions listed above.

If you are enrolled in HealthierSG at our clinic, the influenza vaccine will be completely (free i.e. no co-payment) if you are above 65 years old, pregnant or have certain medical conditions.

The latest 2024/2025 Northern Hemisphere influenza vaccine is currently in stock and costs $45 per dose (nett price) for those ineligible for subsidies.

RSV Vaccine (AREXVY)

What is the RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that leads to serious infections of the lung and lower airways in older persons, especially those with diabetes, asthma, COPD or heart conditions. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe, including shortness of breath and wheezing, and can last up to 2 weeks.

What is the RSV Vaccine (AREXVY)?

AREXVY IS the long-awaited FDA-approved vaccine against the RSV and has been approved by HSA (Singapore) since May 2024. Clinical study have proven it to be 82% effective in preventing lung and lower airway infection from RSV in people aged 60 years and older and over 94% effective in preventing lung and lower airway infection from RSV in people aged 60 years and older with asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic heart failure, advanced liver or kidney disease, or any chronic respiratory or pulmonary disease.

AREXVY is indicated for all adults 60 years old and above, especially those with diabetes and other cardiorespiratory and endocrine-metabolic conditions.

It is given in a single-dose injection, and unlike the influenza vaccination, repeated doses are not required.

It is a recombinant, AS01E adjuvanted (non-mRNA) vaccine, similar to Shingrix vaccine for shingles prevention. It is a generally safe vaccine like other common vaccines and common side effects are injection site pain (61%), fatigue (34%), myalgia (29%), headache (28%), and arthralgia (18%).

Who should take the RSV vaccine?

AREXVY is approved by HSA for all adults aged 60 years or over.

How much does the RSV vaccine cost?

AREXVY is a single-dose injection (one-time) and costs $320 (nett price) at our clinic.