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Federal Councilor Alain Berset (48) sees Switzerland in a good position when it comes to ordering and delivering vaccines. The second quarter will determine the success of the vaccination campaign. Until then, patience and caution is required.
Six months ago it was hard to imagine that two effective Covid-19 vaccines were already in use in Switzerland at the end of January, according to Berset. In an interview with the “NZZ am Sonntag”, the Minister of Health described Switzerland as “well positioned”. They have relied on the best vaccines, which are now available first, and have reserved enough doses for the entire population.
The federal government recently had to revise its vaccination targets downward, due to delivery bottlenecks. Delivery delays are “annoying”, admits Berset, “but we have to live with them and constantly adapt.” This is because pharmaceutical companies are increasing their capacities and therefore delivering less for a short time. It assumes that the total amounts requested for the first semester of the year will also be delivered. It is important to vaccinate quickly in the second trimester when large amounts of vaccine arrive. Until then, you will also have the other Astrazeneca vaccine.
The fourth vaccine is coming
For February, the goal is just 380 instead of 525 vaccines per 100,000 inhabitants per day. Delayed vaccinations cost Switzerland up to 100 million francs a day, according to a study by the federal task force: “Every day that Switzerland achieves an immunization level high enough earlier to control the pandemic, a great deal can be saved of life. “
As the “SonntagsZeitung” also reports, Switzerland wants to order the vaccine from Johnson & Johnson after Moderna, Pfizer / Biontech and Astrazeneca. Negotiations continue. Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine could be approved in Switzerland in early March. High hopes are being pinned on the vaccine around the world because it is easier, faster and cheaper to manufacture than previous corona vaccines. Vaccination protection only requires one dose.
“It’s more of a triathlon”
Regarding the stricter measures under the second lockdown, Berset says the number of cases with the old virus variant is declining and the proportion of the new virus is doubling every week. Berset calls on people to implement the measures: “We are still in an unstable and dangerous situation.”
Other countries have rising numbers despite the curfew, Berset emphasizes, but it is still too early to talk about easing the closures that will apply until the end of February. “Complaining,” says Berset, “doesn’t make things better. I once said that this pandemic was a marathon. Now it turns out that it is more of a triathlon, with several disciplines and longer duration ”.
The forces must be divided and all must continue to support each other. Nor does he see a dispute between the federal government and the cantons on the issue of vaccination: “These alleged disputes are of less interest to the people than the media and political circles in Bern.” Cooperation is good. It is normal that there are discussions. (kes)
