The Ministry of Health, in a 4 September 2026 update, says higher-risk groups who have not yet taken the 2026 southern hemisphere (SH) influenza vaccine can take it now, while northern hemisphere (NH) 2026–27 stock is due only in early to mid-October.
The Communicable Diseases Agency had flagged a rise in influenza cases on 1 September. MOH says there is no sign the infections are more severe than usual, and that SH vaccine supply is sufficient.
Who can take the SH vaccine now
MOH encourages seniors aged 65 and above, children aged six months to under five years, and other vulnerable groups with underlying medical conditions to receive the 2026 SH vaccine if they have not already.
Appointments can be booked at participating CHAS GP clinics via vaccine.gov.sg/flu or at polyclinics. Eligible adults aged 18 and above may also use participating retail pharmacies. Healthier SG enrollees are told to book at their enrolled clinic.
NH vaccines and the eight-week gap
NH 2026–27 vaccines usually arrive by end-September. This year MOH expects them across public and private providers only in early to mid-October 2026, about two weeks later than usual, after an industry-wide delay and a two-strain change from the SH formula recommended by the World Health Organization.
The Expert Committee on Immunisation’s interim advice for people in the recommended groups:
- Prefer the 2026–27 NH vaccine when it arrives.
- If you have not had the 2026 SH vaccine and want some cover now, take SH first, then NH later, with a minimum eight-week gap between doses.
- If you already had the 2026 SH vaccine, wait for NH and keep the same eight-week minimum interval.
Polyclinics and CHAS GPs will contact patients whose booked flu appointments need to move. Mild acute respiratory symptoms still mean staying home until they clear; if you must go out, mask up and keep clear of medically vulnerable people.
