The upcoming flu season is right around the corner, and health authorities deem it more important than ever to protect yourself against it, with the double threat of influenza and coronavirus infections, as well as other respiratory viruses, surging at the same time. Swiss health officials are considering people over age 65, pregnant women or women with newborns, premature infants, and people with certain chronic diseases are considered at high risk and are recommending that they should get the shot, as are people who at home or at work are in frequent contact with people in the high-risk groups (eg, nursing staff, teachers).

The annual flu vaccination provides good protection from infection with the influenza virus and the disease. It not only protects the vaccinated person, it also protects those around them in their private lives and at work—including those who can’t have the vaccination themselves.

Flu vaccines reduce the risk of catching the flu, but they don’t protect against COVID-19 or against other respiratory viruses common in the winter months (cold viruses, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]). However, flu vaccination can be done at the same time as, before, or after a Covid-19 vaccination.

The flu vaccination period lasts from mid-October until the start of the flu wave, which in Switzerland usually lasts from about December to March. After vaccination, the body’s immune system takes around two weeks to build up full immunity against the influenza virus.

In addition, from autumn 2024 onwards, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended in autumn/winter for persons at an increased risk of developing a severe case of the illness (including pregnant persons). COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended for any other persons. 

If you are unsure if you should get vaccinated against the flu, speak to your doctor or take a simple online test from the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health at https://vaccinateagainsttheflu.ch/en-us/vaccination/flu-vaccination-check.html.  

In Switzerland, one day each year is designated “Nationaler Grippeimpftag” (national flu vaccination day), where you can get the shot at various locations on a drop-in basis. This year, on November 8, you can get vaccinated against influenza by certain general practitioners without an appointment and for a flat rate of CHF 30 (CHF 50 for vaccination with the high-dose flu vaccine Efluelda^®); to find the address of participating practices near you, go to https://khm-cmpr.ch/nationaler-grippeimpftag/. Many “Apotheken” (pharmacies) in the region also offer flu vaccinations on a drop-in basis; look for a sign in their window or check out the list of participating pharmacies at www.impfapotheke.ch.

If you work at a larger company, you may also be able to get vaccinated directly at your workplace; check with your human resources department for availability and dates.

https://vaccinateagainsttheflu.ch/en-us/gemeinsam-gegen-grippe.html

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