Expect an influx of health insurance claims, as a surge in influenza cases has been recorded in several Asian countries, with public health officials linking the increase to seasonal weather patterns that favour virus transmission.
In Thailand, authorities documented more than 30,000 new flu infections within a single week. Japan, meanwhile, announced a nationwide influenza epidemic in early October after confirming over 6,000 cases in just one week. The Philippines also reported a 10% rise in private hospital admissions due to influenza, prompting a temporary suspension of in-person classes in Metro Manila. Similar increases have been noted in Taiwan and Singapore, suggesting a widespread regional trend.
The combination of rising flu cases and an aging population presents both risks and opportunities for insurance providers in Asia. There is an increasing need for insurance products that address the specific health risks of older adults, including coverage for preventive care such as vaccinations and routine screenings. As the region’s demographic profile shifts, insurers are positioned to play a key role in supporting public health strategies and adapting to the evolving needs of the elderly population.
Medical professionals are raising concerns about the impact of the current flu wave on older adults, who are more susceptible to severe complications such as pneumonia, cardiovascular events, and higher rates of hospitalisation and mortality.
The demographic shift in Southeast Asia is amplifying these concerns, as the World Health Organization forecasts that the proportion of people aged 60 and above will nearly double by 2050, reaching almost 23% of the population.
Despite the growing elderly population, vaccination rates among this group remain low. This leaves a significant portion of older adults vulnerable to serious illness during each flu season.
According to the “Aging Well in Asia: Asian Development Policy Report,” the number of people aged 60 and above in Asia and the Pacific is projected to reach 1.2 billion by 2050, representing about a quarter of the region’s population. This demographic trend is expected to drive demand for improved pension systems, healthcare services, and insurance products tailored to the needs of older adults.
The report also found that 60% of older adults do not undergo regular health screenings, and nearly one-third report symptoms of depression related to illness, isolation, or financial difficulties. Elderly women are noted as being particularly at risk for certain health conditions.
To address these issues, Sanofi, together with the Vietnam National Institute for Control of Vaccines and Biologicals (NICVB) and the Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID), recently hosted a regional webinar focused on influenza prevention for older adults. The event brought together nearly 700 healthcare professionals from Southeast Asia.
Dr. Steven C.L. Lim, president of MyICID, said: “The flu virus infection exacerbates underlying chronic medical conditions, leading to an increased risk for hospitalisation and death. Influenza vaccination should be part of standard care for the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases.”
Assoc. Prof. Pham Quang Thai, head of the expanded immunization office for the Northern Region of Vietnam, added: “Among older adults in Vietnam, annual influenza hospitalisations 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 just 5.55%, far below the WHO target of 75%.”
Prof. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, vice president of the Infectious Disease Association of Thailand, commented: “Flu vaccines offer meaningful protection against severe outcomes such as hospitalisation and complications in this vulnerable population. The priority is ensuring that older adults choose the right vaccines available to prevent serious flu-related outcomes.” She called for expanded awareness and regional cooperation to improve vaccine access.
