Updates on Influenza and Vaccination

5 May 2023

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1892 
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 8 MAY 2023

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Yip Hon Weng
MP for Yio Chu Kang SMC

Question No. 4560

To ask the Minister for Health (a) of the influenza cases in the past year, what is the breakdown by age of the patients, especially among seniors aged 65 years and above; (b) what is the percentage of these cases that have developed severe conditions; (c) what is the influenza vaccination uptake rate among seniors in 2022; and (d) whether there is an adequate supply of influenza vaccines.

Answer

1     MOH does not have detailed data on influenza cases per year.  In the first four months of 2023, a total of 68 influenza-associated severe cases, including 7 deaths, has been reported.

2     Based on the National Population Health Survey 2021, about 32.4% of Singapore residents aged 65 to 74 years had received influenza vaccination in the preceding 12 months. Adults who are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza infection and complications, namely all persons aged 65 years and above and younger persons with underlying illnesses, are strongly recommended to go for influenza vaccination. 

3     There has been no shortage of supply of influenza vaccines.