Flu jabs available at three retail pharmacies under trial

Aim is to expand flu vaccination access as Singapore moves towards community care

- Zhaki Abdullah

From Oct 28, members of the public will be able to get their annual flu jabs at three retail pharmacies across the island, as part of a trial to expand influenza vaccination access in the community.

The vaccinations will initially be available at three pharmacies Guardian at Nex mall, Unity at Parkway Parade, and Watsons at Paragon, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Oct 28.

The selected retail pharmacies were inspected to ensure they meet MOH's requirements for a safe and conducive environment for vaccination services.

Only registered pharmacists who have completed relevant training are allowed to administer flu jabs at the participating pharmacies.

Those who receive the vaccines will be observed for 15 minutes after their jabs, with protocols in place for pharmacists to manage and provide advice on potential side effects.

Noting that the latest influenza vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere season is now available, MOH said receiving annual flu shots lowers the risk of serious complications from the disease, particularly for seniors and the medically vulnerable.

The jabs are also available at general practitioner (GP) clinics and polyclinics.