MOH portal, clinics see surge in flu jab demand after Barbie Hsu's death

Taiwanese actress had succumbed to influenza-related pneumonia while in Japan

- Rhea Yasmine and Lee Li Ying

More than 2,000 people in Singapore made appointments to get the influenza vaccine on Feb 4, one day after the shock announcement on Feb 3 of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu's death, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.

In comparison, about 3,000 appointments were made online via the Health Appointment System throughout January.

Hsu, best known for her role in the iconic drama series Meteor Garden, died on Feb 2 at the age of 48 after succumbing to influenzarelated pneumonia while travelling in Japan with her family.

Despite the surge in appointments, MOH assured the public that Singapore has sufficient stock of the influenza vaccine.

It added that arrangements are in place for public healthcare institutions and general practitioners (GPS) to procure additional supplies if demand increases.

News of Hsu's death also sparked a surge in demand for flu shots in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Taiwan had to purchase an additional 100,000 doses of the vaccine, as its publicly funded doses were expected to run out within a week, news outlet Focus Taiwan reported on Feb 6.

Several clinics in Singapore told The Straits Times that inquiries rolled in on Feb 3, with some patients walking in on the same day.