SINGAPORE, Sept 5 — Singapore’s updated influenza vaccine for the Northern Hemisphere season will arrive about two weeks later than usual, as an industry-wide delay in vaccine production comes amid rising flu cases and demand for jabs.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said yesterday that supplies of the 2026-2027 Northern Hemisphere vaccine are expected to reach public and private healthcare providers in early to mid-October, Singapore-based news outlet CNA reported today.

The vaccine is typically available in Singapore by the end of September, ahead of the Northern Hemisphere flu season, which generally runs from October to March.

MOH and CDA said the delay was due to pharmaceutical companies taking longer to develop the latest vaccines, whose composition includes changes recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The delay comes as Singapore sees an increase in influenza cases, although the CDA said there was no indication that infections were more severe than usual.

Meanwhile, some clinics are already facing shortages of the current Southern Hemisphere vaccine as demand for flu jabs increases.

CNA found that three of 11 clinics contacted had run out of the Southern Hemisphere vaccine, while another said it had little stock left.

Healthway Medical, Raffles Medical and Parkway Shenton also reported increased demand for influenza vaccinations, with Healthway saying demand had risen steadily following the National Day long weekend.

The updated Northern Hemisphere vaccine is preferred for people at higher risk of severe influenza, including those aged 65 and above, children aged six months to under five years and people with underlying medical conditions, MOH and CDA said.

Those in these groups who have not received the 2026 Southern Hemisphere vaccine can consider getting it for interim protection, before receiving the Northern Hemisphere vaccine when it becomes available.

A minimum interval of eight weeks should be observed between the two doses, the authorities said.

For travellers heading to the US, Europe or Japan between December and February, Raffles Medical executive medical director Dr Chng Shih Kiat said the timing of vaccination would depend on their destination, travel date and health status.

He advised travellers to receive any influenza vaccine at least two weeks before their trip.