Why Doctors Recommend the Flu Jab Before Major Exams Like PSLE in Singapore

The flu vaccine gives children added protection by strengthening their immune defences against seasonal influenza.

The PSLE and other year-end exams are a significant milestone for students and families in Singapore. As preparation ramps up, so do the stakes, and every parent wants their child to perform at their best. During these high-pressure months, ensuring your child’s health is just as important as revision and practice papers.

In recent years, more doctors have been recommending the seasonal flu vaccine [1] for school-going children, especially in the lead-up to major exams. This isn’t just about preventing illness — it’s about giving students the best shot at staying healthy, focused, and exam-ready.

At Phoenix Medical Group, we believe prevention is key, and in this blog, we’ll explain why getting the flu jab before exams could be a wise move for your family.

The Impact of the Flu on Exam-Season Performance

Flu season in Singapore tends to peak between September and November [2], which happens to coincide with major school exams like the PSLE, O-Levels, and end-of-year assessments. This unfortunate timing means students are at higher risk of falling ill during one of the most crucial periods in their academic year.

Children spend extended hours in close-contact environments, classrooms, tuition centres, canteens, and enrichment classes, creating ideal conditions for viruses to spread. Add to that the exam-related stress, irregular sleep, and general fatigue that many students experience, and their immune systems may be more vulnerable than usual.

If a student catches the flu, the effects can be more disruptive than many parents realise. Common flu symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, and extreme tiredness can severely affect a child’s ability to focus, retain information, or sit through lengthy papers. Even a mild case can leave them feeling drained and foggy-headed, which is hardly the ideal condition for performing well under exam pressure.

The Role of the Flu Vaccine

While the flu vaccine does not permanently prevent the flu, it does help in reducing the risk of infection, and minimising the symptoms.

The flu vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the most common influenza strains predicted for the year. It helps reduce the risk of infection and, in cases where the flu is contracted, often lessens the severity and duration of symptoms.

It’s important to note that the vaccine doesn’t offer instant protection [3]. It typically takes about two weeks for the body to build sufficient immunity. This is why timing matters. As such, having your child vaccinated well ahead of their exams ensures they’re protected during the most critical weeks.

Why Doctors Recommend It, Especially for Exam-Age Children

While getting the flu jab may feel like an additional task in an already packed exam schedule, doctors strongly recommend it for good reason. During high-stress academic periods like the PSLE, even small disruptions can have a big impact. Vaccinating your child against the flu is a simple yet powerful way to reduce risk and protect their hard-earned preparation.

Here’s why the flu vaccine is especially beneficial for students sitting major exams:

Fewer sick days – falling ill during revision or just before an exam can derail months of preparation and practice.
More consistent focus and energy – staying healthy allows your child to maintain momentum, concentrate better, and enter exam day feeling their best.
Protects the whole family – children who catch the flu can easily pass it on to elderly grandparents, younger siblings, or parents, some of whom may be more vulnerable to complications.
Reduces school outbreaks – higher vaccination rates help limit transmission in schools, benefiting classmates, teachers, and the wider community.

Ultimately, the flu jab is a small investment that can help ensure your child stays well, confident, and focused. Hence, giving them the best chance to succeed when it matters most.

Common Concerns Among Parents

The flu vaccine is an annual vaccination that protects children against the flu by encouraging the body to strengthen its immunity.

It’s completely natural for parents to have questions or hesitations about any vaccination, especially when it comes to their child’s well-being. As a matter of fact, we often hear a few recurring concerns about the flu jab, and we’re here to clarify them with facts and reassurance.

“Will the flu jab make my child sick?”

This is one of the most common misconceptions. The flu vaccine does not contain live virus [4] and cannot cause the flu. Some children may experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm, low-grade fever, or slight fatigue, usually lasting just a day or two. These are typical signs that the body is building immunity, and they are far milder than the actual flu itself.

“Is the flu jab really necessary every year?”

Yes, because influenza strains evolve each year, and the vaccine is updated accordingly. Getting the jab annually ensures that your child is protected against the most current and prevalent strains. Even if your child has received it in previous years, they’ll benefit from the updated protection and are likely to respond well to future vaccinations.

When and Where to Get the Flu Vaccine

To ensure full protection during exam season, we recommend getting the flu jab at least 2 to 3 weeks before exams begin.

At Phoenix Medical Group, our clinics across Singapore offer:

Quick and convenient appointments.
Gentle, child-friendly care.
Experienced doctors who understand the concerns of exam-focused families.

You can easily book your child’s flu vaccination through our online platform or by calling our nearest clinic to you.

Final Thoughts

Safeguard your child’s focus by getting the flu vaccine.

A healthy child is a confident child, especially during exam season. While we can’t control the questions on the exam paper, we can take steps to protect our children from avoidable setbacks like the flu.

Getting the flu jab before exams is a simple, proven way to help your child stay well, perform at their best, and approach the PSLE or other major tests with peace of mind. At Phoenix Medical Group, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Protect your child’s health.

Protect their focus.

Protect their future.