Flu Vaccination in Singapore: Annual Influenza Shot at Mediway
Annual flu shot at our private GP clinic near Clarke Quay MRT. Walk-in accepted during clinic hours. Mediway administers the high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (HD-QIV), covering 4 flu strains. NIR auto-upload to HealthHub.
How much does a flu shot cost at Mediway?
Mediway administers the high-dose quadrivalent flu vaccine (HD-QIV) at $30 (GST inclusive). Standard-dose quadrivalent (QIV) is subject to availability. Please enquire before booking. Walk in during clinic hours or book ahead.
What is flu vaccination?
Annual flu vaccination protects against seasonal influenza viruses. Singapore's tropical climate means flu circulates year-round with two peaks annually, making annual vaccination especially important.
The flu vaccine contains inactivated (killed) virus components or purified proteins. It cannot give you the flu. It prompts your immune system to produce antibodies that recognise and fight real influenza viruses if you encounter them.
Modern flu vaccines are quadrivalent (QIV), covering four influenza strains: two influenza A (typically H1N1 and H3N2) and two influenza B (Victoria and Yamagata lineages). The World Health Organization (WHO) updates vaccine composition twice yearly based on circulating strains, which is why annual vaccination is necessary.
At Mediway Medical Centre, we administer the high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (HD-QIV) on-site. Walk in during clinic hours or book ahead during peak flu seasons. Vaccination is automatically uploaded to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) and visible on your HealthHub record.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Singapore Ministry of Health recommends annual flu vaccination for these groups in particular. Generally safe and recommended for all adults.
Highest priority
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- Children 6 months to 5 years
- Long-term care residents
Chronic medical conditions
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Lung disease (asthma, COPD)
- Kidney disease
- Weakened immunity (cancer, HIV, transplant)
- Neurological conditions
Exposure risk / other
- Healthcare workers
- Childcare workers and teachers
- Essential workers in public-facing roles
- Frequent travellers
- Anyone wanting to reduce flu risk for self or family
Not suitable for: infants under 6 months, people with severe allergy to previous flu vaccine or its components (including egg protein, though modern egg-free options exist), people with acute moderate-to-severe illness (defer until recovered). Guillain-Barré syndrome history is a caution. Discuss with your doctor.
Types of flu vaccine
Two main quadrivalent formulations are used in Singapore GP clinics. Mediway currently administers the high-dose option.
High-Dose Quadrivalent (HD-QIV) Mediway offers
Higher antigen dose than standard vaccine. Registered with HSA for adults 65 years and older, who may respond less strongly to standard-dose vaccines. Covers 4 influenza strains (2 A strains, 2 B strains).
- Administered at Mediway: $30 per dose, GST inclusive
- Registered for adults 65 years and older
- Suitability for adults under 65 is assessed by our doctor at consultation
- Intramuscular injection in upper arm
Standard-Dose Quadrivalent (QIV) Subject to availability
Standard adult flu vaccine for ages 3 and above. Contains standard antigen dose covering 4 influenza strains (2 A strains, 2 B strains).
- Subject to availability at Mediway. Please enquire before booking
- Suitable for most adults and children 3+ years where available
- Intramuscular injection in upper arm
- Common brands in Singapore include Vaxigrip Tetra, Influvac Tetra, Fluarix Tetra. All are WHO-approved and clinically equivalent.
Cell-based and recombinant flu vaccines are also available internationally (egg-free options) and may be suitable for people with severe egg allergy. Availability in Singapore varies. Ask at consultation if you have egg allergy.
When to get your flu shot in Singapore
Singapore has two annual flu peaks due to travel + tropical climate exposure to both hemispheres' strains. Timing vaccination before each peak maximises protection.
Northern Hemisphere season
Flu peaks November to January in Singapore, driven by seasonal exposure and winter travel from the Northern Hemisphere.
Ideal vaccination: late September to October
Southern Hemisphere season
Flu peaks May to July in Singapore, driven by Southern Hemisphere exposure and mid-year travel patterns.
Ideal vaccination: late March to April
Vaccination at other times: Flu vaccination is beneficial year-round given Singapore's tropical climate and continuous flu circulation. If you missed the ideal window, get vaccinated as soon as possible. Protection begins 2 weeks after the shot and lasts ~6 months.
Annual vaccination: The WHO updates vaccine composition twice yearly (Northern and Southern formulations). The Singapore vaccine schedule typically matches the Northern Hemisphere formulation. You should get a new flu shot each year to maintain protection against current strains.
Flu vaccination pricing
Transparent, GST-inclusive pricing.
| Vaccine | Who it's for | Price (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| High-Dose Quadrivalent (HD-QIV) | Adults 65+ (suitability for adults under 65 assessed at consultation) | $30 |
| Standard-Dose Quadrivalent (QIV) | Adults and children 3+ years | Subject to availability. Enquire before booking |
| GP consultation (when required) | First-visit assessment | $38 |
Prices indicative; subject to change and may vary depending on individual clinical needs. Final pricing confirmed at consultation. GST applicable where indicated.
Side effects and safety
The flu vaccine is generally very safe. Most side effects are mild and resolve within 1-2 days.
Common (mild, 1-2 days)
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Mild muscle aches
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Headache
Rare (seek medical attention)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, facial swelling
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (extremely rare)
- High fever or persistent illness after vaccination
Myth: The flu vaccine can give you the flu. This is not true. Flu vaccines contain inactivated virus components or purified proteins. They cannot cause infection. Any flu-like symptoms after vaccination are either a mild immune response to the vaccine (not flu) or coincidental illness from unrelated exposure.
Can I get the flu vaccine while sick? For mild illness (cold, sore throat without fever), yes. For moderate-to-severe illness with fever, it is usually advised to defer vaccination until recovered. Discuss at consultation.
Your visit: 3 quick steps
Walk in or book
Walk in during clinic hours, or book online / WhatsApp for a scheduled slot. During peak flu season (Oct-Jan and Apr-Jul), booking is advised.
Quick screen & administer
Brief screening for contraindications (allergies, acute illness, pregnancy). Vaccine administered intramuscularly in upper arm. Takes 5 minutes total.
Observation & NIR upload
Brief 15-minute observation for any immediate reactions. Vaccination auto-uploaded to NIR within 24-48 hours, visible on HealthHub app. Protection develops over ~2 weeks.
What to bring: NRIC / passport / work pass for identification, vaccination record (if switching from another clinic), and your private insurance card (if you intend to claim from your insurer). No fasting or special preparation needed.
Frequently asked questions
01 How much does a flu shot cost in Singapore?
At Mediway, the high-dose quadrivalent flu vaccine (HD-QIV) is $30 (GST inclusive). Standard-dose quadrivalent (QIV) is subject to availability. Please enquire before booking. GP consultation is $38 for first visit if required.
02 Can I walk in for a flu shot?
Yes. Walk in during clinic hours (Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat 7:30am-1pm) for flu vaccination. During peak flu season (October-January and April-July), we recommend booking ahead to avoid longer waits.
03 When should I get a flu shot in Singapore?
Flu circulates year-round in Singapore, with two broad peak periods: November to January (Northern Hemisphere season) and May to July (Southern Hemisphere season). The flu vaccine takes about 2 weeks to develop protection, so vaccination 2-4 weeks before each peak is useful: late September to October for the Northern season, and late March to April for the Southern season. Flu vaccination is beneficial year-round in Singapore's tropical climate.
04 Is the flu shot required annually?
Yes. Flu strains change annually, and the WHO updates vaccine composition twice a year (Northern and Southern hemisphere formulations). Annual vaccination is recommended to maintain protection against circulating strains.
05 Who should get the flu vaccine?
Singapore Ministry of Health recommends annual flu vaccination for: adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, children 6 months to 5 years, individuals with chronic medical conditions (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, weakened immunity), healthcare workers, and long-term care residents. Other adults may also consider flu vaccination after discussing suitability with a doctor.
06 What are the side effects of flu vaccination?
Most people experience mild side effects: soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, mild muscle aches, or fatigue for 1-2 days. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare but require immediate medical attention. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It contains inactivated virus components.
07 Which flu vaccine brand does Mediway use?
Mediway administers the high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (HD-QIV) at $30 per dose. It protects against four flu strains (two influenza A and two influenza B). The specific brand will be confirmed at the visit; all are HSA-registered and WHO-approved.
08 Does Mediway offer the high-dose flu vaccine?
Yes. Mediway administers the high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (HD-QIV) at $30 per dose. It contains a higher antigen amount than the standard-dose vaccine. HD-QIV is registered with HSA for adults 65 years and older, whose immune systems may respond less robustly to standard vaccines. Suitability for adults under 65 will be assessed by our doctor at consultation.
09 Is the flu vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Yes. The inactivated flu vaccine may be given during pregnancy and is commonly recommended for protection against flu complications. It can also help protect the newborn (antibodies transfer to baby). Live flu vaccines (e.g. nasal spray) are avoided during pregnancy.
Related services & reading
Book your flu shot
Mediway Medical Centre
20 Upper Circular Rd, #B1-26/29 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416
MRT: Clarke Quay (NE5), Exit E, walking distance
Phone: 6909 0190 · WhatsApp: 8779 9898
Email: enquiry@mediwaymedical.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm · Sat 7:30am-1pm · Closed Sun & PH
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Flu vaccination schedules, indications, and subsidy rules are based on Singapore Ministry of Health guidelines and may change. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised vaccination advice. All prices GST-inclusive and subject to change.