What is Influenza? 

Flu is a contagious disease that spreads around the world – China included – every year, usually between October and May. Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some people. Flu can cause fever and chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting and diarrhea. Flu can also cause medical complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections.

Why Get the Flu Vaccine? 

The influenza vaccine can prevent influenza (flu). Each year thousands of people in China die from flu, and many more are hospitalized. Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related visits to the doctor each year.

Who Should Get Vaccinated? 

Infants and young children from six month to five years old. People 65 years of age and older. Pregnant women. People with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system. Close contacts of above mentioned individuals and household members of children younger than two years old.

When Should I Get the Flu Vaccine?

The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May. The best time for the flu vaccination is before the peak of flu season, which is before the end of October. However, flu vaccine is recommended throughout the flu season. 

Can the Flu Vaccine Give Me the Flu?

The flu vaccine does not cause the flu.

What are the Risks of a Vaccine Reaction?

Soreness, redness and swelling where the shot is given, fever, muscle aches and headaches can all happen after the influenza vaccine. There may be a very small increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) after the inactivated influenza vaccine (the flu shot). As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.

Where to Get the Flu Vaccine in Shanghai

A range of flu vaccines are available at Shanghai United Family Pudong Hospital. 

Shanghai United Family Pudong Hospital (SHUPH) commenced operations on June 1, 2018. SHUPH is a general medical institute that provides patients with an extensive range of services. As a member of UFH, SHUPH has been dedicated to providing unique and comprehensive healthcare in a warm and comfortable environment. Its sole mission is to provide patients from all countries and regions with quality and patient-oriented healthcare services in a highly personalized setting.

Shanghai United Family Pudong Hospital

Address: No. 1598, New Jinqiao Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
Hotline: 021-3886 2888 / 400 639 3900
Emergency time: 5-8.30pm on Mon-Sat; All day Sun; (021) 3886 2999

About the Author

Tong Wei CHNG
Pediatrician, MMD, FAAP,
Shanghai United Family Pudong Hospital


Areas of specialty: Dr. Chng specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various pediatric illnesses, including neonate and well child care, respiratory, gastrointestinal, allergic and infectious illnesses. 

Education: Dr. Chng received her Medical Degree from Dalhousie University, Canada in 2001. She completed her Pediatric Residency training in 2005 at Nassau University, affiliated with Stony Brook University in New York, where she treated patients, and developed expertise in managing conditions ranging from pediatric preventive care to acutely ill children. She was awarded Beth Seaton Award for Outstanding Resident during her Pediatric Residency training, and became the Chief Resident at the final year of her residency. Dr. Chng further completed her medical training of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program in 2008 at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. 

Background: Dr. Chng has over 15 years of clinical experience. Before joining United Family Shanghai Service Area Hospitals and Clinics, Dr. Chng served as a pediatrician at several International Hospitals in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai. During her fellowship in the United States, she was actively participating in research studies and has multiple publications in medical journals, including The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal. She also contributed in drafting the HIV treatment guidelines for the Centers for Disease Control, The National Institute of Health and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Dr. Chng is double board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in General Pediatrics and Pediatrics Infectious Diseases.

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