Everything About the 2 Flu Vaccines That MOH Has Advised to Stop Using Temporarily

In South Korea, the authorities’ latest bid to prevent twin epidemics has backfired drastically after at least 36 South Koreans, according to CNN, died after receiving flu vaccine.

And Singapore, true to its form of learning from others, has halted the use of two flu vaccines in Singapore.

A Precautionary Measure

Now, if you’re wondering whether anyone in Singapore has died from the use of flu vaccine during the Covid-19 period, the answer is no.

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), this is just a precautionary measure (better be safe than sorry mah) after seeing what’s going on in the land of oppas.

MOH says that they, along with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), are monitoring the situation closely.

The South Korean government said that they’ve found no links between the deaths to the use of flu vaccine.

HSA is now touching base with them for further information.

Two Out Of Seven Available In S’pore

According to MOH, out of the seven brands of influenza vaccine used in South Korea involved in the deaths, two of them are available in Singapore.

They are:

SKYCellflu Quadrivalent

This vaccine is manufactured by SK Bioscience and distributed here by AJ Biologics.

According to the Monthly Index of Medical Specialities (MIMS), this vaccine is administered to prevent influenza caused by subtypes A and type B for adults and children 3 years old and above.

Protection can usually be obtained within 3 weeks and the protection lasts for 6 months to a year.

VaxigripTetra

This vaccine is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur and distributed here by Sanofi Aventis.

According to MIMS, this vaccine can prevent influenza caused by the two influenza A virus subtypes, as well as the two influenza B virus types in adults and children older than 6 months old.

While the two health authorities are busy checking things out, healthcare providers and medical practitioners in Singapore are told to stop using them for the time being.

It was added that they are allowed to use another two brands of influenza vaccines that were brought into Singapore.

Can Still Get Flu Vaccines

Just like not all people are created equal, vaccines are not all the same too, despite the common objective.

MOH emphasised that people who’ve been getting flu vaccines should continue to do so, and it’s “generally safe” with other brands of vaccines.

Imperative groups involve the elderly, pregnant women, young children and those with pre-existing conditions.

“Influenza vaccination is generally safe and well tolerated.”

HSA has a network in place to monitor the use of, and the effects of using, vaccines in Singapore.

They also constantly monitor vaccines making their way into Singapore and ensure that they meet high, stringent standards.

Common Side Effects

Now, say you’ve gotten a jab and the next day, you feel awful. Don’t be too dramatic and start writing your will.

According to MOH, the use of vaccines do come with some side effects that will go away on its own.

They include:

• soreness
• redness at the injection area
• fever
• headaches
• muscle aches
• fatigue
• nausea

Of course, if you do experience adverse effects like these:

• High fever
• Severe allergic reactions (breathing difficulties, swelling eyes)

See a doctor immediately.

You can read more about how vaccines work here.

South Korea’s Vaccine Deaths

In September, South Korea announced a new vaccine programme for specific groups in the population in a bid to prevent a twin epidemic of influenza and Covid-19.

A study conducted in the country found that, generally, during the winter season, Dec to Mar, the influenza epidemic spike to an all-time high.

Last week, the alarm was raised when 13 individuals who received influenza vaccinations (flu vaccines) died.

The first death was a 17-year-old teenager who died two days after receiving the jab.

Before 2020, the highest number of flu vaccine deaths in South Korea was 6 back in 2005.

Now just a few days after the news broke, the number of casualties has spiked up drastically.

According to CNN’s report on the vaccine deaths, at least 36 have died.

The South Korean government said that they’ve found no links between the mysterious deaths and the usage of vaccines but trust in vaccinations within the country is at an all-time low.

Parents are now considering not getting their kids vaccinated for the influenza season this year and a poll found that even if a Covid-19 vaccine is found and presented, most would not take it unless all safety questions have been answered.

Which can get dangerous because an average of 2,900 people in the country died to influenza per year.

You can read more about what’s going on in South Korea here.