Proactive Measures of Primary Care Providers to Expand Vaccination and Antiviral Capacity
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the proactive measures taken to address an early surge in influenza cases, including expanding vaccination capacity and protecting vulnerable populations. Dr Hamid Razak inquired about the Ministry's efforts to manage hospital strain and support primary care providers during the extended influenza season. Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that the Ministry of Health provides subsidized vaccinations through polyclinics and general practitioners, prioritizing seniors and those with medical conditions. He highlighted that the Ministry collaborates with nursing homes to offer vaccinations to residents and integrates influenza prevention into routine care. To manage hospital capacity, public hospitals utilize alternative care models such as Mobile Inpatient Care at Home and Transitional Care Facilities for medically stable patients.
Transcript
51 Dr Hamid Razak asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health given the earlier-than-usual surge in influenza cases this year, what proactive measures is the Ministry taking with primary care providers to (i) expand vaccination and antiviral capacity, (ii) protect vulnerable groups such as seniors and those with chronic illnesses and (iii) manage the potential strain on hospitals during this extended influenza season.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: As addressed in the written reply to the Parliamentary Question raised by Mr Gabriel Lam at the 5 November 2025 Parliament Sitting, the increase in influenza activity since August 2025 is not unexpected. [Please refer to "Factors Contributing to Early Seasonal Surge of Influenza Cases and Prevention Strategies", Official Report, 5 November 2025, Vol 96, Issue 10, Written Answers to Questions section.]
The Ministry of Health (MOH) works closely with general practitioners and polyclinics to incorporate influenza vaccination into routine preventive care, with subsidy coverage for eligible individuals. In particular, providers have been advised to encourage vulnerable groups, including children, seniors and individuals with medical conditions, to get influenza vaccination. MOH also works with nursing homes to offer influenza vaccination to their residents.
Our public hospitals manage high patient volumes daily. During surges, they tap on alternative care models to manage any strain if they emerge, such as the Mobile Inpatient Care at Home (MIC@Home) for suitable patients, and the Transitional Care Facilities (TCFs) for medically stable patients.