Vaccination

Swiss vaccination schedule

Vaccination introduces a weakened form of a virus or bacteria to a healthy body. This helps the immune system to develop protection from a disease without contracting the disease itself.

Each year, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and Federal Commission for Vaccination (FCV) publish the Swiss vaccination schedule. It lists all of the recommended vaccinations. Most of them are covered by your basic insurance.

If you have questions about any particular vaccination, please contact your doctor.

Flu vaccination

Wintertime is flu season in Switzerland. This can have serious consequences for the elderly and chronically ill, pregnant women and toddlers. If you or one of your close relatives falls into one of these risk groups, we recommend getting a flu vaccination.

Travel vaccinations

Ask the pharmacy or your doctor about any vaccinations at least four to six weeks before your trip. If you have myFlex Outpatient Insurance, we will pay a share of the cost.

Does CSS pay for my vaccination?

Yes, we pay a share of the vaccination costs. Basic insurance reimburses the cost of vaccinations that are recommended by the Swiss vaccination schedule, minus the retention fee and deductible. The vaccine must also be included in the Specialties List.

Paid under basic insurance

• Measles, mumps and rubella
• Chicken pox (varicella)
• Diphtheria every 10 years
• Tetanus for injuries
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Meningitis (Haemophilus influenzae type B)
• Infantile paralysis (poliomyelitis)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Hepatitis B for children
• Hepatitis A for special risk groups
• Flu vaccination for persons aged 65 and over and those with a higher risk of complications.
• Cervical cancer (human papilloma virus) for girls and young women aged 11 - 19 as part of a cantonal vaccination programme.
• Herpes zoster for risk groups aged 18 and over.

Vaccinations paid for under supplementary insurance

If you're planning to travel and want to get vaccinated beforehand against yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis or hepatitis A and B, for example, part of the cost will generally be covered by supplementary insurance.

Types of vaccinations

Active vaccination

Active vaccination causes the body's own immune system to produce antibodies. Live vaccines contain a living but weakened form of the germ. While this form of vaccination is highly effective, the risk of complications is higher. However, a vaccine containing 'killed' bacteria or viruses can also be administered. Although not quite so effective, it is easier for the human body to tolerate.

Passive vaccination

Passive vaccination means ready-made antibodies are injected into the blood. Protection is immediate, but only temporary as the body breaks down the foreign antibodies.

mRNA vaccination

mRNA vaccination uses genetic information as a blueprint for building antigens. The body then produces these antigens itself. This form of vaccination is highly effective.

Vaccine reaction

IIn most cases, vaccinations are well tolerated. However, sometimes the required activation of the immune system can trigger the following symptoms:

Vaccine reaction

• Within 72 hours of the vaccination
• Injection site turns red, swells and becomes painful
• Fever < 39.5°C
• Feeling of being unwell (e.g. headaches, tiredness, nausea, etc.)

Disease from vaccination

• 1–4 weeks after vaccination
• Only with live vaccines (living but weakened form of the germ)
• Weakened form of the disease against which the patient was vaccinated (e.g. slight rash after a measles vaccination)

Vaccination complications

• Vaccination was administered incorrectly (e.g. injected into fatty tissue instead of muscle, which can lead to infection)
  
• Allergic reaction to vaccination ingredients (e.g. egg protein)

Vaccine damage

• Very rare, connection between vaccination and damage has not been fully explained
• e.g. Guillain-Barré syndrome (temporary paralysis)