SINGAPORE, Feb 8 — More than 2,000 people in Singapore booked influenza vaccinations on February 4, a day after Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu’s death was announced, the country’s Ministry of Health (MOH) reported.

The ministry told The Straits Times (ST) that this marks a sharp increase compared to around 3,000 online appointments made throughout January.

Hsu, best known for her role in Meteor Garden, died on February 2 at age 48 from influenza-related pneumonia while on a family trip to Japan.

Despite the surge in demand, MOH assured the public that Singapore has ample flu vaccine supplies and that healthcare institutions and general practitioners (GPs) can procure additional stock if needed.

News of Hsu’s passing has also driven up flu vaccination rates in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Taiwan has reportedly ordered 100,000 extra doses as its publicly funded stock was expected to run out within a week.

ST reported that several clinics in Singapore reported a rise in flu shot inquiries and walk-ins starting February 3.

Healthway Medical Group, which runs 63 GP clinics, said it saw a 50 per cent jump in flu vaccinations on February 3 and 4.

Meanwhile, Raffles Medical Group recorded a 20 per cent rise across its more than 40 clinics in the week following Hsu’s death.

Dr Daniel Soong from Unihealth told ST that each of its three clinics administered 10 to 12 flu shots between February 3 and 5, up from a weekly average of seven to eight per clinic. Most patients were in their 30s and 40s.

Kingsway Medical Clinic also saw an “immediate surge.” Dr Zhang Qi reported administering three to four flu shots daily, matching his usual weekly count.

Telehealth provider Doctor Anywhere noted a more than 20 per cent rise in flu vaccine inquiries over two days across its eight clinics and home-based service.

MOH recommends that high-risk individuals, including seniors and those with underlying conditions, consult their doctors and get vaccinated. Appointments can be booked at vaccine.gov.sg/flu or at participating retail pharmacies.

Singapore’s flu seasons typically run from November to February and May to July. The flu vaccine is updated regularly to protect against prevailing strains, and doctors recommend getting vaccinated annually or twice a year.

Flu shots are available for everyone aged six months and above.