HONG KONG, Feb. 6 -- Flu jab inquiries and bookings have increased at clinics in Hong Kong following the death of Taiwanese actress Barbie "Big S" Hsu Shi-yuan from pneumonia caused by influenza.

The South China Morning Post reported that Hsu's death, which was announced on Monday, shocked many across the Chinese-speaking world and appeared to prompt more Hongkongers to seek vaccinations.

The 48-year-old died while travelling in Japan with her family.

"There were already around a dozen inquiries so far [on Tuesday morning]," said family medicine specialist Dr Angus Chan Ming-wai.

He also said, "They included those making bookings for the next few days."

Chan noted that demand for flu shots typically peaks earlier in the season.

Howeve...