19.12.2020 – Today Swissmedic approved the first COVID-19 vaccination for Switzerland. The vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech is suitable for adults from age 16. The first doses of vaccine will be delivered in the next few days.
COVID-19: Switzerland can start vaccinating already in December
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been approved by Swissmedic, the Swiss agency for the authorisation and supervision of therapeutic products. According to the data assessed by the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, the level of protection afforded seven days after the second injection of the vaccine is over 90 percent. On the basis of the safety, efficacy and quality data the vaccine is suitable without age restrictions for all adults from age 16.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will be delivered to Switzerland in stages; the first delivery will comprise around 100,000 doses. Additional larger deliveries will follow. The federal government has ordered a total of around three million doses of vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech.
In the first phase, already in December the cantons will be able to begin with the first vaccinations for people in vulnerable groups, in targeted and supervised settings. From 4 January 2021, it will be possible to start vaccinating other vulnerable groups.
Detailed vaccination recommendations will be published in the coming days.
Further vaccines under investigation
The federal government has so far signed contracts for a total of around 15 million doses of vaccine: besides the 3 million doses from Pfizer/BioNTech this includes an additional 4.5 million doses from Moderna and up to 5.3 million doses from AstraZeneca. The vaccines from Moderna and AstraZeneca are still undergoing the approval process at Swissmedic.
In addition, Switzerland is taking part in the international COVAX Initiative to give economically weaker countries access to vaccines.
Vaccination free of charge
The Covid-19 vaccination will be free of charge for the population. The costs will be covered by the federal government, the cantons and health insurance. The vaccination will be exempt from the excess and deductible.
No vaccination obligation
The Federal Council does not want a vaccination obligation for the population. It is to put its faith in the provision of transparent and understandable information, thus allowing everyone to decide for themselves whether they wish to be vaccinated or not.
Detailed information
Our media release from 19.12.2020
www.bag.admin.ch/vaccination-covid19
Last modification 19.12.2020
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