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Switzerland has a vaccine against the coronavirus. The program will start in a few days, says Federal Councilor Alain Berset.
What vaccine has Swissmedic approved? Swissmedic today approved the Biontech / Pfizer vaccine as the first vaccine for Switzerland against the new coronavirus. After examining the available data, vaccination protection exceeds 90 percent seven days after the second vaccination, states the Swiss Institute for Therapeutics. With regards to the application, Swissmedic has concluded that “the Pfizer / Biontech Covid-19 vaccine is safe.” The approval is the first in the world to be granted in an ordinary process.
When does the vaccination program start? Recommendations from the Federal Vaccination Commission (Ekif) are now needed before vaccination can begin. Health Minister Alain Berset says vaccination will begin in the next few days. Vaccination is not mandatory.
Who can vaccinate? People over 16 years of age can be vaccinated against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2); Two vaccinations at least 21 days apart are recommended for optimal vaccination protection. The FOPH plan: People who are particularly at risk (without pregnant women) get vaccinated first. Then, the health personnel with contact with the patient and the personnel who care for people who are particularly at risk. Then, members of the household of particularly vulnerable people. Then, the people in the communal facilities most at risk of infection and outbreak and their staff and finally all other adults.
And the side effects? When it comes to possible side effects, Swissmedic promises a close watch. If “safety signals” occur, action will be taken immediately. The most common side effects documented in approval studies are reactions that are comparable to the side effects of a flu vaccine. There are known cases in the US and Great Britain of people who have had an allergic reaction after being vaccinated with the Pfizer / Biontech vaccine. Two of them were known to have severe allergies. However, at least one middle-aged woman had not had allergy problems before, as the “New York Times” reports., The link opens in a new window
What do we know about long-term side effects? Serious and permanent side effects are not yet known, but one hundred percent safety can only be provided through a longer study period. From experience with other vaccines, one has to say: if you vaccinate half the world with these vaccines, then somewhere in a person there will be a serious side effect. You have to expect that.
Can’t I infect anyone after vaccination? When the pharmaceutical company Biontech talks about an effectiveness of more than 90 percent, it does not mean a total protection of 90 percent against infection, but they have shown that they can protect those vaccinated against the disease in more than 90 percent. That is a key distinction. It is not a total protection against infection. That means: if I am vaccinated, I cannot be sure that I will not become infected, and I cannot be sure that I will become infectious. Risk is likely to be reduced.
Does the vaccine change our DNA? No. The vaccine consists of a form of genetic material that is also found in our cells, but not in DNA, but in mRNA. In our cells, mRNA is used to make copies of DNA, and that copy is then expelled from the nucleus. And there, in the cell plasma, the cellular components are read and built according to plan. The vaccine places mRNA under the cell, so to speak, with the virus spike pattern, so that the cell builds virus spikes, which then trigger the immune response. This mRNA is recognized by the cell as mRNA, is read, and then broken down fairly quickly, just as the cell does with its own mRNA. There are viruses that can ensure that their RNA is incorporated into our DNA, but they bring with them their own tools, so to speak, and this tool, which the vaccine lacks.
Does the vaccine mean a return to normal life? Probably not at first. Scientists also advocate not issuing AHA rules for vaccinated people – keep your distance, wash your hands regularly, and wear a mask. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention at UCHealth in Colorado, cautions: “Like any other vaccine, this one may work very well in certain subgroups of patients and not so well in others. Are you free to get on a plane or invite 30 people to your house? Probably not.”
