Factors Contributing to Early Seasonal Surge of Influenza Cases and Prevention Strategies
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the factors contributing to the August 2025 influenza surge and the strategies for strengthening surveillance and vaccination outreach ahead of future spikes. Mr Gabriel Lam inquired whether climate trends and travel patterns influenced transmission cycles and how the Communicable Diseases Agency is enhancing its response capabilities. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung explained that transmission variability is driven by international travel and immunity levels, though no significant new trends are fundamentally changing existing cycles. He noted that surveillance at clinics and hospitals is being continually enhanced, while medical practitioners receive bi-annual guidance to support vaccination efforts throughout the year. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung also emphasized that vulnerable groups should adhere to national immunisation schedules, as vaccines are available year-round to address persistent influenza circulation.
Transcript
21 Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what factors contributed to the early seasonal surge in influenza cases since August 2025; (b) how the Communicable Diseases Agency is strengthening surveillance and vaccination outreach ahead of future off-season spikes; and (c) whether climate trends or travel patterns are influencing Singapore's influenza transmission cycles.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: In Singapore, influenza viruses circulate throughout the year, with two periods of higher activity typically observed between May and August and between December and March. These broadly coincide with the Northern and Southern Hemisphere winter seasons, but their timing may vary from year to year due to factors, such as international travel, weather conditions, immunity levels and population mixing patterns. The increase in influenza activity since August 2025 illustrates this variability. There is no evidence of any significant new trends that are fundamentally changing Singapore's influenza transmission cycles.
The Communicable Diseases Agency has surveillance programmes that monitor the incidence of influenza and other acute respiratory infections at selected primary care clinics as well as acute hospitals. These are continually enhanced to strengthen surveillance and response capabilities so that we can detect surges and respond to them as necessary.
Under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule and National Adult Immunisation Schedule, vulnerable groups are recommended to receive annual or per-season influenza vaccination. Vaccination is available at any time of the year, and medical practitioners receive bi-annual clinical guidance on administering the vaccine for each season. Individuals should receive the vaccine when they are due to do so, as influenza transmits year-round. They may consult their doctors to discuss their need and timing in receiving the vaccine, based on individual circumstances.