Health
Flu-vaccine deliveries delayed in Switzerland, but no shortage expected
Some flu-vaccine deliveries to Switzerland are delayed this autumn, affecting about 40% of doses, according to RTS. The Federal Office of Public Health says there will nevertheless be enough vaccines for everyone who wants one before the seasonal flu wave begins.
About 40% of flu-vaccine doses are affected by delivery delays this autumn, RTS reported, putting pressure on vaccination schedules across Switzerland. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) says supplies will still be sufficient for everyone who wants a vaccination before the seasonal flu wave begins.
The timing matters because the FOPH recommends getting vaccinated from mid-October until the flu wave starts. It generally begins in the second half of December, leaving a window for people to arrange an appointment and receive a dose.
The delays have already shaped local schedules. At Unisanté, Efluelda has been available since October 12 for people over 75 and for people over 65 who have a prescription for it. Vaxigrip vaccinations are due to begin on November 9.
Two national vaccination weeks will also give people more opportunities to get a jab. Participating medical practices and pharmacies will offer vaccinations from November 2 to 7, and again from November 23 to 28. The FOPH’s assurance of adequate supply offers reassurance as clinics and pharmacies work through the autumn schedule.
Use November’s vaccination windows
Unisanté’s schedule shows how delayed deliveries are affecting access to different flu vaccines. Efluelda has been available there since October 12 for people aged over 75 and for those over 65 who have a prescription for the vaccine. Vaxigrip vaccinations are scheduled to start on November 9.
The national vaccination weeks add two set periods for people seeking an appointment. Participating medical practices and pharmacies will offer jabs from November 2 to 7, then again from November 23 to 28. The dates give residents options across November as vaccine deliveries continue.
People should check arrangements with a participating practice or pharmacy before attending. The two vaccination weeks are organised nationally, but the actual jabs take place at participating providers. Unisanté’s published dates also apply to its own schedule, with Efluelda already available and Vaxigrip to follow.
The staggered calendar means people may encounter different availability depending on the vaccine and provider. The FOPH’s position is that sufficient doses will be available for everyone who wants vaccination before the flu wave begins, which generally starts in the second half of December.
Prioritise those at higher risk
The FOPH recommends flu vaccination for people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and younger people at greater risk of complications. That includes people with chronic illnesses and those taking medicines that suppress the immune system.
The recommended period begins in mid-October and continues until the seasonal flu wave starts. The FOPH says that wave generally arrives in the second half of December. People in recommended groups can speak with a medical practice or pharmacy about vaccination and the options available to them.
At Unisanté, Efluelda has been available since October 12 for people over 75 and for those over 65 with a prescription for it. Vaxigrip vaccinations are due to start on November 9. National vaccination weeks, held November 2 to 7 and November 23 to 28, will offer additional opportunities at participating practices and pharmacies.
The FOPH’s assurance that there will be enough doses for everyone who wants one is relevant to people planning around these dates. Getting vaccinated before the flu wave begins remains the stated aim of the seasonal recommendation.
Watch the winter virus season
Flu activity remained low in the latest Geneva University Hospitals surveillance update, which recorded one sample positive for influenza A last week. Health officials are also monitoring covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. RSV can cause serious illness in infants and older people.
The flu-vaccine delays come as Switzerland prepares for the winter respiratory-virus season. The FOPH says the seasonal flu wave generally begins in the second half of December and recommends vaccination from mid-October until it starts. For those planning a flu jab, national vaccination weeks in November provide further appointment opportunities at participating medical practices and pharmacies.
A combined flu and covid vaccine, Moderna’s mCombriax, has been authorised in the European Union for people aged 50 and over. In Switzerland, people can receive separate flu and covid vaccinations at the same appointment.
The FOPH says Switzerland will have enough flu vaccine for everyone who wants to be vaccinated before the flu wave begins. The published schedules at Unisanté and the two national vaccination weeks set out dates for people arranging their seasonal vaccination.