As the weather gets chillier, the season of colds, coughs and COVID arrives in Switzerland. Here’s what you need to know about getting the latest coronavirus and flu vaccinations in 2024, who is recommended to get the jab and who will pay for it.

Switzerland approves updated COVID vaccine

In response to the emergence of new, more virulent strains of coronavirus, Swissmedic has approved the latest COVID vaccines. Developed by Moderna, the vaccine has been approved for use among people aged 18 years and older. Earlier, the organisation also approved the use of the latest vaccine developed by BioNTech / Pfizer, which can be used more widely.

The vaccines are designed to target the JN. 1 Omicron variant of the virus. Currently, JN.1 and its subvariants KP.2 and KP.3 are responsible for approximately 99 percent of all COVID cases in Switzerland. 

COVID vaccines in Switzerland in autumn 2024

With this in mind, here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters in Switzerland in the autumn of 2024.

Who should get a coronavirus vaccination or booster in 2024?

The Federal Office for Public Health notes that while the current COVID variants “tend to cause milder courses of illness”, the elderly and those with higher risk factors are recommended to get a first or booster vaccination against COVID-19. These at-risk groups are:

• All people aged 65 years and older
• People aged 16 years and older with pre-existing medical conditions
• People aged 16 years and older with trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome
• People who are pregnant

The FOPH noted that these groups are at higher risk of developing a severe disease as a consequence of COVID-19 - in the winter of 2023 / 24, there were twice as many hospitalisations related to COVID compared with other flu-like diseases. “Vaccination improves protection against severe disease and its complications for several months,” they wrote.

Can I still get a COVID vaccine in Switzerland if I'm not in an at-risk group?

In Switzerland, COVID vaccination is not recommended for people under 65 years of age without risk factors, with the FOPH noting that the “risk of severe disease is very low for people in this group. For them, the vaccination offers small and short-term protection against infections with mild disease.”

Those who are not recommended a COVID vaccination are still able to get vaccinated, but they must pay for it themselves.

When should I get vaccinated against COVID?

The best time to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is between mid-October and mid-December, the time when the virus is most widespread. The most recenty-developed vaccines are expected to be rolled out from October 2024 onwards.

The vaccine can be administered at least six months after your last vaccination or booster shot, or six months after your last known coronavirus infection.

Will I have to pay for the vaccine?

If you are part of the groups that are recommended a COVID vaccination, the costs are covered as part of basic health insurance in Switzerland. Those who are not part of these groups must pay for the vaccination out of their own pocket.

How to book a COVID booster jab in Switzerland

With the days of mass vaccination campaigns long behind us, the federal government and Swiss cantons are no longer responsible for organising the vaccination campaign; this is now done through GPs, doctors and local hospitals.

If you would like to receive a COVID vaccination, please contact your GP or if applicable to your area visit a vaccination clinic.

Flu vaccination in Switzerland

In addition to the COVID-19 jab, mid-October will also see the beginning of flu vaccinations in Switzerland. Those over 65 years old, pregnant people, premature babies up to two years old, those with chronic illnesses and those who are in close regular contact with at-risk groups (close relatives, healthcare workers and carers) are recommended a flu vaccination.

Flu vaccines can be administered safely before, at the same time as and after COVID vaccinations. The flu shot can be accessed at medical practices and pharmacies across the cantons, and in many cases you don’t even need to make an appointment.

Like the COVID jab, the flu vaccination for those in the groups mentioned above is covered by basic health insurance. Those outside these groups can still get vaccinated, but once again they must pay for it themselves.