Profile of Influenza Patients and Adequacy of Vaccine Supply

60 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) of the influenza cases in the past year, what is the breakdown by age of the patients, especially among seniors aged 65 and above; (b) what is the percentage of these cases that have developed severe conditions; (c) what is the influenza vaccination uptake rate among seniors in 2022; and (d) whether there is an adequate supply of influenza vaccines.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Ministry of Health does not have detailed data on influenza cases per year. In the first four months of 2023, a total of 68 influenza-associated severe cases, including seven deaths, has been reported.

Based on the National Population Health Survey 2021, about 32.4% of Singapore residents aged 65 to 74 had received influenza vaccination in the preceding 12 months. Adults who are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza infection and complications, namely, all persons aged 65 and above and younger persons with underlying illnesses, are strongly recommended to go for influenza vaccination.

There has been no shortage of supply of influenza vaccines.