Singapore Expands Community Flu Shot Access
Starting 28 October, flu shots are available at three Singapore pharmacies in a new trial aimed at boosting community vaccination rates, especially among seniors. The trial, launched by Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung at Unity in Parkway Parade, offers flu vaccinations at Guardian, Unity, and Watsons pharmacies, a step intended to improve convenience and coverage for the influenza vaccine in Singapore.
Convenient and Safe Vaccination Locations
The three pharmacies – Guardian at Nex mall, Unity at Parkway Parade, and Watsons at Paragon – were inspected to ensure they meet the Ministry of Health (MOH) standards for vaccination safety and professionalism.
Only certified pharmacists with proper training administer the shots, following a 15-minute observation period to manage potential side effects and provide advice as needed.
Mr Ong noted that while pharmacies in other countries have long offered vaccines, the primary focus of care in Singapore has been on General Practitioners (GPs). The new initiative seeks to increase touchpoints in the community for preventive care, particularly for older residents and those with chronic conditions who benefit most from influenza vaccination.
Head of Pharmacy of Guardian, Roman Lester Rosales also shared the community pharmacy’s commitment to supporting both preventive & overall health of the Singapore public.
“We are very excited to take this step in supporting preventive care efforts and moving towards collaborating more with our primary care partners as part of a multidisciplinary team, all aligned towards the goal of a Healthier SG. “
Safeguarding Singapore’s Ageing Population
As Singapore’s population ages, flu vaccinations for older adults have become a critical aspect of preventive healthcare.
Currently, only 40% of people aged 65 and above get flu shots each year, despite their increased risk of serious influenza complications. Minister Ong pointed out that flu-related infections often lead to severe outcomes in seniors.
“Day to day, we still have many seniors coming to the Accident & Emergency Department, falling very sick… Many do not recover, resulting in deaths,” he stated.
Seniors are particularly vulnerable to complications from flu, which can lead to prolonged hospital stays, intensive care admissions, or even fatalities. While flu vaccination coverage has doubled in recent years, the number remains too low given the severe risks influenza poses for seniors.
By offering flu shots at more accessible locations like community pharmacies, the MOH hopes to increase this rate, helping more seniors avoid severe illness, prolonged hospital stays, and potentially fatal complications.
Strengthening GP and Pharmacist Collaboration
Singapore’s healthcare model has historically centred around GPs as the primary providers for routine and chronic care. However, as demand for preventive care grows and the population ages, the MOH recognises the need for collaboration. The trial expands vaccination access and also serves as a pilot for pharmacists to take on larger roles. By working alongside GPs, pharmacists contribute to a cohesive, team-based healthcare model aimed at strengthening community care.
Mr Ong explained the trial’s dual purpose: to expand touchpoints for preventive services and to foster integrated care between healthcare providers.
“No healthcare professional works in silos… it is always about community care,”
Under this approach, pharmacists contribute by providing vaccinations and preventive services, allowing GPs to focus more on patients with complex chronic conditions. In time, this collaborative model could extend to other areas of healthcare, including medication and smoking cessation counselling.
This partnership model also aligns with Singapore’s shift towards decentralised, community-based care. As pharmacists take on more active roles in preventive health, GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals can integrate services more seamlessly, ultimately aiming to reduce the need for acute hospital care.
Eligibility and Safety Protocols for Pharmacy-Based Flu Shots
The MOH trial includes clear eligibility and safety protocols to ensure that flu vaccinations are safely administered within community pharmacies. Below are the key guidelines:
- Who Can Get Vaccinated:
- Flu shots at participating pharmacies are available to individuals aged 18 and above.
- Who Should Avoid the Vaccine:
- Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccinations.
- Those with specific health conditions, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome or seizure disorders.
- Pregnant women and people currently experiencing fevers or respiratory infections.
- On-Site Observation:
- Each recipient undergoes a 15-minute observation period after vaccination to monitor for any immediate reactions.
Only registered pharmacists with MOH-approved training administer flu shots, ensuring safe, informed care and guidance on managing common side effects. Each pharmacy follows strict protocols to prioritise patient comfort and safety, creating a secure setting for community flu vaccinations.
View this post on Instagram
Unity prices flu shots at $30, while Guardian and Watsons offer them at $35. Eligible Singapore citizens who get vaccinated at these pharmacies enjoy the same government subsidies as at Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) GP clinics, making flu shots both affordable and accessible.
All three pharmacies provide flexible booking options:
- Unity and Watsons: Accept both walk-ins and online bookings – Unity, Watsons
- Guardian: Currently requires appointments, which can be made through their booking form
Each pharmacy encourages advance bookings to ensure availability and minimise wait times, as demand may increase during the trial period.
Expanding Pharmacy Vaccinations for Preventive Care
The MOH will monitor uptake and feedback from this trial over the next three to six months. If successful, more pharmacies may offer vaccinations, expanding access to preventive care across the community.
This “sandbox” initiative aligns with Singapore’s shift towards preventive healthcare, aimed at making health services more accessible. As the population ages, expanding flu vaccination locations could help reduce hospital strain and improve health outcomes in the community.
Image credit: Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung via Instagram
Learn more:
