Over 2,000 people in S'pore make appointment to get flu vaccine after Barbie Hsu's death

Over 2,000 people in Singapore made appointments to get the influenza vaccine in one day.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) saw this surge on Feb. 4, one day after Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu died from pneumonia caused by influenza while in Japan, The Straits Times (ST) reported.

This is compared to the 3,000 appointments made via the Health Appointment System throughout January 2025.

MOH assured that Singapore has enough stock of the influenza vaccine despite the sudden demand, ST added.

MOH also stated that arrangements are in place for public healthcare institutions and general practitioners to obtain additional supplies if demand increases, ST also reported.

Hsu's sudden death

Hsu, also known as Big S, passed away on Feb. 3 at age 48.

According to Taiwanese media TVBS News, it was reported that she died of pneumonia caused by influenza while in Japan.

Her younger sister, Dee Hsu, also a Taiwanese celebrity and known as Little S, subsequently responded to confirm her sister's passing.

Dee Hsu's agent told TVBS News on Feb. 3 morning:

"Thank you for your concern! During the New Year, our family travelled to Japan. My dearest and kind sister Xiyuan unfortunately left us due to influenza and pneumonia. I am grateful to be her sister in this life, to take care of each other and accompany each other. I will always be grateful to her and miss her! Shan~ Rest in peace! I will always love you together remember forever."

It was later reported that Hsu was not admitted to a few hospitals in Japan.

According to a widely circulated story reported by Taiwanese media, including Next Apple and ET Today, a person, purportedly to be the tour guide who received Hsu's family, claimed that the late star had displayed symptoms of coughing and asthma on Jan. 29.

At that time, her family had just arrived in the Japanese town of Hakone.

Hsu did not leave the hotel on Jan. 30 and 31 in order to recuperate.

Her symptoms got worse on Jan. 31, and she called for an ambulance, which took her to a hospital within Hakone.

But the doctor was reportedly unable to diagnose the cause of her illness, and the 48-year-old returned to her hotel later that night.

She was then accompanied by her family to a small hospital in Tokyo for treatment on Feb. 1.

This was apparently her second hospital visit.

However, the small hospital reportedly was unable to give her a diagnosis and referred her to a larger hospital.

There, which apparently was her third hospital visit, she was diagnosed with influenza, and was provided with medication, but was still not admitted to be hospitalised.

Her condition took a turn for the worse that night, and her family called for an ambulance to take her to the hospital again.

However, she was pronounced dead at 7am on Feb. 2.

Top photo via Canva.