Medical
Flu Vaccination 2026–2027: Why You Should Get the New Northern Hemisphere Vaccine
Oct
The new 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine is now available at Ashford Medical Centre. Flu cases in Singapore have been rising this year, and this season’s vaccine has been updated with new strains. That means last season’s vaccine, or the 2026 Southern Hemisphere vaccine, may not protect you as well against the viruses expected this season.
This guide explains what has changed, who should get vaccinated, what to do if you recently had a flu jab, and how to book.
- We are now using the 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere (NH) flu vaccine.
- It has a two-strain change from the 2026 Southern Hemisphere vaccine, following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
- We recommend the new vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and above, especially seniors, young children, pregnant women and people with long-term medical conditions.
- If you had the Southern Hemisphere vaccine this year, you can have the new vaccine at least 8 weeks after that dose.
- Walk in or book on WhatsApp. Healthier SG enrollees can get eligible vaccinations subsidised at their enrolled clinic.
Why flu vaccination matters in Singapore
Flu is not just a bad cold. It can cause high fever, body aches and exhaustion that keep you away from work or school for a week or more, and it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, especially in older adults, young children and people with heart, lung or kidney disease, or diabetes.
In Singapore, flu circulates all year round, with activity usually higher from May to August and from December to March. The Ministry of Health has reported a rise in flu cases in 2026, in line with higher activity in the region.
What is new in the 2026–2027 vaccine?
Flu viruses change constantly, so the WHO reviews the vaccine every year and recommends which strains it should contain. For the 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere season, the vaccine protects against three strains:
- an influenza A (H1N1) strain
- an updated influenza A (H3N2) strain
- an updated influenza B (Victoria lineage) strain
According to the Ministry of Health, this vaccine contains a two-strain change from the 2026 Southern Hemisphere vaccine. Because the strains are different, we recommend that everyone gets the new vaccine this season, including people who were vaccinated earlier in the year.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
We recommend the flu vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and above. The Ministry of Health particularly recommends it for seniors aged 65 and over, children aged 6 months to under 5 years, and people with underlying medical conditions. It is especially important for these groups:
| Group | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Adults aged 65 and over | Higher risk of pneumonia and hospital stays |
| Children aged 6 months to under 5 years | Young children can become very unwell and spread flu easily |
| People with long-term conditions | Such as diabetes, asthma or lung disease, heart or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system |
| Pregnant women | Protects you during pregnancy and your baby in the first months of life |
| Healthcare and frontline workers | Protects you and the people you care for |
| Travellers | Especially if travelling to the US, Europe, Japan or Korea in their winter flu season |
Children under 9 who are having a flu vaccine for the first time may need two doses, given at least 4 weeks apart. Our doctor will advise you.
I had a flu jab earlier this year. Should I get another one?
Yes, in most cases. If you had the 2026 Southern Hemisphere vaccine, you can have the new Northern Hemisphere vaccine at least 8 weeks after your last dose. This follows the advice of Singapore’s Expert Committee on Immunisation. Bring your vaccination record if you have it, or check your records on HealthHub, and we will confirm the right timing for you.
When should I get vaccinated?
- As soon as possible. It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for your body to build protection.
- Before travel. If you are heading to the US, Europe, Japan or Korea between December and February, try to get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before you fly.
- Every year. Protection fades over time and the strains change, so you need a new dose each season.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
Flu vaccines have been used safely for decades. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Common side effects are mild and settle within a day or two:
- soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- mild fever, tiredness or muscle aches
Please tell our doctor before vaccination if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, have a severe egg allergy, have had Guillain-Barré syndrome, or are currently unwell with a fever. Most people with an egg allergy can still be vaccinated safely, and if you are unwell we may suggest waiting until you recover.
Cost and subsidies
- Healthier SG: if you are enrolled with us under Healthier SG, nationally recommended vaccinations are subsidised for eligible groups at your enrolled clinic.
- CHAS: CHAS cardholders in the recommended groups may receive subsidies.
- MediSave: may be used for eligible patients in the recommended groups.
Ask us on WhatsApp or at the front desk and we will tell you exactly what you will pay before your vaccination.
Flu vaccination for your workplace
We run workplace flu vaccination drives for companies, at your office or at our clinic. Fewer staff off sick during flu season means less disruption for your business. See our corporate health services or contact us for a quote.
Get your 2026–2027 flu vaccine
The new Northern Hemisphere vaccine is available now at 79 Serangoon Garden Way. Walk-ins are welcome, or book ahead on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Which flu vaccine is Ashford Medical Centre using now?
We are using the 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine, which contains the latest strains recommended by the WHO.
I had the Southern Hemisphere vaccine this year. Can I still get the new one?
Yes. Because the new vaccine contains different strains, you can get it at least 8 weeks after your Southern Hemisphere dose.
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No. The vaccine does not contain live virus that can cause flu. Some people get a sore arm or feel tired for a day or two, which is a normal sign of the immune system responding.
How long does it take for the flu vaccine to work?
Protection builds up over about 2 weeks after vaccination.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I am pregnant?
Yes. The flu vaccine is recommended during pregnancy and can be given at any stage. It also helps protect your baby in the first months after birth.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome during our opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. You can also book ahead on WhatsApp at 9856 1438.
Medically reviewed by Dr Namthep Sachathep, Clinical Director. Sources: World Health Organization recommendations for the 2026–2027 Northern Hemisphere influenza season, and Ministry of Health Singapore updates on seasonal influenza vaccination. This article is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.
