Vaccination: when does corona vaccine start in Switzerland?

When does corona vaccination start in Switzerland? The most important questions and answers

One vaccine manufacturer after another is signaling the breakthrough in corona vaccination. When can we get vaccinated in Switzerland? And who will receive the vaccination dose first? You have to know.

Corona vaccine manufacturer they fight each other with reports on the effectiveness of their vaccinations: with AstraZeneca the third vaccine manufacturer presented positive data on the corona vaccine on Monday. While it is less effective, it is much easier to carry. A decisive advantage in the global fight against the virus.

Switzerland has already signed a purchase agreement with AstraZeneca and Moderna for several million doses of the vaccine. So the question is no longer if, but when we can get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The head of the US vaccination program said on Sunday that the first vaccinations would be given as early as December 11. Also in Germany is England health ministers announced that vaccination centers should be ready by mid-December.

When will corona vaccine be available in Switzerland?

When it comes to corona vaccination, nothing works in Switzerland without Swissmedic’s drug control. It decides when a vaccine is placed on the market. A Admission in December it is unlikely. But it should be ready by spring.

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Swissmedic spokesperson Lukas Jaggi explains: Only after the entire documentation and clinical part have been submitted and evaluated is it possible to make a decision on an initial authorization. “We hope to receive more meaningful data from the recording studios in early 2021 and are preparing to be able to make a decision quickly.”

The exact timing therefore depends on how quickly the vaccine manufacturer can provide the necessary data to the authorities.

Once approved, vaccinations would likely begin within days. But it’s too early for jubilation: “Measures to contain the new type of coronavirus are unlikely to be ‘vaccinated’ quickly, and there are still too many unanswered questions, not just about approval,” Jaggi continued.

Why does it take longer with us than in the US?

There are relatively low barriers to emergency approval in the United States. Put simply, you need to ensure that a drug or vaccine demonstrably helps more than it hurts. In the emergency procedure, vaccinated people – to put it bluntly – become participants in the extended study or even guinea pigs. Switzerland is taking a different and less risky path.

Swissmedic checks applications on an ongoing basis. In other words, continuously as research continues at companies. “Speed ​​and safety are not mutually exclusive here,” Jaggi says. You check the data as a priority, but just as carefully with the usual high standards. Early marketing of vaccines during evaluation as in United States of America it is not legally required in Switzerland.

Who will get corona vaccine first?

Authorities are currently working on strategies for the process. Scientists generally recommend it vaccinate the elderly and those with previous illnesses first – vaccination should be allowed for them. Then it would be the turn of doctors and nurses, especially in hospitals and homes.

The fact of the matter: Side effects need to be tested differently for individual age groups. The more someone is at risk of coronavirus, the fewer side effects the product can have. “Elderly and at-risk groups they are usually only included in a second phase of the registration studies, “Jaggi says. The study data for the elderly or risk groups required for the benefit-risk assessment will only be available later.

So the scenario is realistic that young people will get the vaccine first.

Where can I get the corona vaccine?

At the moment the place where the vaccinations will be carried out is still open. According to the BAG, this also depends on the vaccine and vaccination recommendations.

Come for example Hospitals, vaccination centers, pharmacies, doctors’ offices and possibly also mobile teams. “The cantons are preparing various options in close cooperation with the Confederation,” says the BAG. Implementation of the vaccination is expected to take several months.

How does the corona vaccine work?

Jara explains the details in the video:

How often should I be vaccinated?

Ob Pfizer, Modern or Sputnik-V: Antibodies should be given in two doses for all vaccinations. Only then is there complete protection. It is still unclear whether vaccine protection needs to be updated regularly, as with other vaccinations.

How does the logistics work?

The global logistics industry is already preparing for the global distribution of Covid-19 vaccines. Most of the business will be carried out by logistics giants DHL, Fedex, UPS and Kuehne + Nagel, which, according to “FAZ”, have pharmaceutical subsidiaries and can guarantee refrigerated transport.

The crucial point of transport is the cooling of the preparations. The vaccine of Pfizer / Biontech approximately must be stored at -70 degrees. For this, logistics companies have to procure so-called “super freezers”. This is a big plus for AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which can be stored at refrigerator temperature.

The advantage for Switzerland is that the vaccine comes from Partly modern in the Lonza plant in Visp should be produced.