Vaccination Coverage in Switzerland

The Swiss national immunization plan

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH / BAG) publishes the national immunization plan, which is updated regularly by the Federal Commission for Vaccination (EKIF). It classifies vaccines into three categories:

• Basic vaccinations (Basisimpfungen): Recommended for everyone. These are considered essential for public health and are fully covered by KVG. Examples include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B.
• Supplementary vaccinations (Erganzende Impfungen): Recommended for individuals with specific risk factors or exposure. These are also covered by KVG when medically indicated. Examples include meningococcal vaccines and seasonal influenza for risk groups.
• Risk-based vaccinations (Risikoimpfungen): Recommended only for people in specific risk situations (occupational exposure, travel, or medical conditions). Coverage depends on whether they appear on the KVG benefits list.

Childhood vaccination schedule

The Swiss childhood schedule begins at 2 months of age and covers the following vaccinations by age 16:

• 2, 4, and 12 months: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B (hexavalent combination vaccine), plus pneumococcal vaccine.
• 9 and 12 months: Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) -- first and second dose.
• 12 months: Varicella (chickenpox) for children without prior infection.
• 11--14 years: HPV vaccination (2 doses for both boys and girls), meningococcal ACWY, hepatitis B catch-up if not given earlier.
• 4--7 years: Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis booster, polio booster.
• 11--15 years: Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis booster.

All childhood vaccinations on the national plan are covered by KVG. They are subject to the child's own franchise (often CHF 0 on family plans) and the 10% Selbstbehalt.

Adult vaccinations and boosters

Adults in Switzerland should maintain the following vaccinations, all covered by KVG:

• Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster: Every 20 years until age 65, then every 10 years. A one-time pertussis booster is recommended for adults who have not received one since adolescence.
• Influenza (flu): Recommended annually and covered for risk groups -- adults aged 65+, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, immunosuppression), healthcare workers, and household contacts of at-risk individuals.
• COVID-19 boosters: Covered per BAG recommendations, primarily for at-risk groups (65+, immunocompromised, chronic conditions). Recommendations are updated seasonally.
• FSME/TBE (tick-borne encephalitis): Recommended and covered for people living in or frequently visiting endemic areas. Most of Switzerland north of the Alps is considered a risk zone. The vaccination requires 3 doses for full protection.
• HPV catch-up: Covered up to age 26 within cantonal vaccination programs for those who were not vaccinated as adolescents.
• Shingles (Herpes zoster): Recommended for adults aged 65+ or immunocompromised individuals aged 50+. Coverage under KVG was added for the recombinant vaccine (Shingrix).

Travel vaccines -- not covered by KVG

Vaccinations required or recommended for travel are NOT covered by basic insurance. You pay the full cost out of pocket:

• Hepatitis A: CHF 50--80 per dose (2 doses for long-term protection).
• Yellow fever: CHF 50--70 per dose. Only available at certified vaccination centers (Gelbfieberimpfstellen). Required for entry to many African and South American countries.
• Typhoid: CHF 40--60 per dose.
• Japanese encephalitis: CHF 80--100 per dose (2 doses needed).
• Rabies (pre-exposure): CHF 60--80 per dose (3 doses for full pre-exposure prophylaxis).
• Meningococcal ACWY (for travel): CHF 60--90 per dose. Required for Hajj pilgrimage and recommended for sub-Saharan Africa.
• Cholera (oral): CHF 30--50 per dose.

Where to get vaccinated

You have several options for receiving vaccinations in Switzerland:

• GP (Hausarzt): The most common route. Your GP can administer all standard vaccinations, review your vaccination record, and advise on catch-up doses. Costs are billed through KVG.
• Pharmacy (Apotheke): Since 2015, pharmacies in most cantons can administer certain vaccinations -- typically influenza, COVID-19, FSME/TBE, and hepatitis A/B. This is convenient, often available without appointment, and increasingly popular. Check cantonal regulations as not all cantons permit the same range of vaccines.
• Cantonal vaccination centers: For organized programs (HPV campaigns, flu drives) and specialized consultations.
• Travel medicine clinics (Reisemedizin): For comprehensive pre-travel advice and all travel-related vaccinations. Major cities (Zurich, Bern, Basel, Geneva, Lausanne) have dedicated travel health centers. The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel is a leading center.
• Pediatrician (Kinderarzt): For childhood vaccinations. They follow the national schedule and typically send reminders when doses are due.

Costs for non-covered vaccines

For vaccinations not covered by KVG (travel vaccines, vaccines for healthy adults outside risk groups for flu, etc.), you pay the full cost yourself. A typical vaccination visit includes:

• Consultation fee: CHF 30--50 at a GP, often waived at pharmacies.
• Vaccine cost: Varies by vaccine (see travel vaccine prices above).
• Administration fee: CHF 10--25 for the injection itself.

Total cost for a single non-covered vaccination typically ranges from CHF 50 to CHF 150. A comprehensive travel medicine consultation with multiple vaccines can cost CHF 300--500.