Flu Wave Hits Southeast Asia, Highlighting Gaps in Protection for the Elderly

HCM CITY, VIETNAM –
Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2025 – Countries in Asia are reporting a rise in flu cases. The rainy season is fueling transmission and creating conditions for rapid spread. In a week, Thailand recorded more than 30,000 cases. Meanwhile, Japan declared a nationwide flu epidemic on 3 October after confirming more than 6,000 patients that week.

Philippines has surpassed epidemic thresholds, with a 10% increase in private hospital admissions. Thus, all public schools in Metro Manila suspended face-to-face classes on 13-14 October. Similar trends have also appeared in Taiwan and Singapore, reflecting a broader surge.

Experts warn that older adults are most at risk of severe flu complications including pneumonia, heart attacks, hospitalization, and death. This concern is growing as Southeast Asia’s population ages rapidly. The World Health Organization projects that the proportion of people aged over 60 in the region will rise from 12.2% in 2024 to 22.9% by 2050. Despite this, influenza vaccination coverage among the elderly remains low, leaving millions at higher risk of severe illness each flu season.

Recognizing this gap, Sanofi collabs with Vietnam National Institute for Control of Vaccines and Biologicals (NICVB) and Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID), organized a regional webinar titled “Shielding Golden Years: The Power of Flu Vaccines for Older Adults.”, engaging nearly 700 healthcare professionals across Southeast Asia.

Dr. Steven C.L. Lim, MD, MRCP, President of MyICID, emphasized that older adults are the most vulnerable to severe outcomes from influenza due to aging immune response, frailty, and comorbidities. “Flu virus infection exacerbates underlying chronic conditions, leading to an increased risk for hospitalization and death​. Influenza vaccination should be part of standard care for the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases,” he said.

Assoc. Prof. Pham Quang Thai, MD, MPhil, PhD, Head of the Expanded Immunization Office for the Northern Region of Vietnam, highlighted that “among older adults in Vietnam, annual influenza hospitalizations are 154% higher, and mortality rates 700% higher than those in the 50 to 64 age group. However, vaccination coverage among adults aged 65 and above remains low at 5.55%, far below the WHO target of 75%.”

“Flu vaccines offer meaningful protection against severe outcomes such as hospitalization and complications in this vulnerable population,” said Prof. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, MD, MHS, Vice President of Infectious Disease Association of Thailand (IDAT). “The priority is ensuring that older adults choose the right vaccine to prevent serious flu-related outcomes.” She called for stronger awareness and regional collaboration to improve vaccine access and better protect Southeast Asia’s aging population.

Dr. Ruby Dizon, Head of Medical for Sanofi Vaccines Southeast Asia & India, emphasized: “As the global leader in advanced influenza prevention solutions, Sanofi’s commitment is to deliver Protection Beyond Flu. We ensure people have access to vaccines with proven better protection against influenza infection and its severe complications. By raising the bar in influenza prevention, we are striving to set new standards in public health as we move closer to our vision.”

Hashtag: #SanofiVietnam

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