Swiss coronavirus vaccine: the most important questions and answers

When, where and how can I get vaccinated against corona? The most important questions and answers

A Covid-19 vaccine could be available in Switzerland in a few weeks. Here you can find out how much the vaccination costs, how many doses of vaccine have been ordered, and for whom they are available.

niklaus salzmann / ch media

When is the vaccine available?

Currently, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutics, Swissmedic, is testing various vaccines. According to NZZ am Sonntag, the first vaccine is expected to be approved in January. The decision will be made as soon as sufficient data is available from clinical studies. Deliveries should arrive distributed throughout the year.

For how many people is the vaccine enough?

Yesterday, Monday, the federal government signed a contract with Pfizer for 3 million doses of vaccines. In addition, there are about 4.5 million doses of Moderna vaccine and 5.3 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine. If all three vaccines are approved by Swissmedic, with two vaccines per person, this is enough for 6.4 million people, about two-thirds of the population.

How are vaccination doses distributed among the cantons?

According to Thomas Steffen, Basel-Stadt cantonal doctor, planning has not yet been completed. It is quite possible that, in addition to population size, other factors are included. For example, cantons with large central hospitals and large numbers of medical staff could receive proportionally more doses of vaccination.

Where can I get vaccinated?

That depends on the canton. In some, large vaccination centers are planned, for example in cantonal hospitals or exhibition centers. But medical consultations and pharmacies are also possible. Decisions will depend, among other things, on which vaccines are used.

I want to get vaccinated as soon as possible. What I can do?

It will probably be necessary to register in advance. Registration is not possible yet. The cantons are responsible for the design, more specific information is expected in the coming weeks. The vaccination recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health are also not available yet.

How much does the vaccine cost me?

The population can be vaccinated for free. The costs are expected to be covered by the federal government, the cantons, and health insurers.

How do vaccination doses get to vaccination centers?

The acquisition is made through the army pharmacy. Cantonal home delivery. From there, the cantons organize further distribution.

People at higher risk should be vaccinated as a priority. How is that implemented?

The risk group includes older people and people with certain pre-existing conditions, for example lung disease, diabetes, high blood pressure. It is still open how its prioritization will be implemented during vaccination. For example, GPs could make a referral or complete a questionnaire online to book a vaccination appointment.

How long does the vaccination last?

This is an open question as there are no long-term studies yet. It is known that antibodies, as well as the so-called memory cells, which lead to a rapid reaction of the immune system in case of infection, can still be detected several months after an infection. This is an indication that vaccination protection could last a long time.