The COVID-19 Vaccination

In principle, the vaccine is approved for anyone 16 years of age or older, with the exception of pregnant women. However, due to the limited number of vaccine doses currently available, only those with a particularly high risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 will initially be vaccinated. This high risk group includes those who are 75 years old and above, or those with certain pre-existing conditions. Gradually, and with greater vaccine availability, other groups of people will also be able to receive the vaccine.

Currently pregnant women and persons 16 years of age and younger are not able to be vaccinated because there is not enough data available on the safety of the vaccine in these groups (however clinical trials are currently in progress). For people with allergies, please see I have allergies. Can I still receive the COVID-19 vaccine?.

The Swissmedic-approved COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech is considered very safe. It has been tested in large clinical trials and has now also been administered to millions of people around the world. Swissmedic approved the vaccine through its normal, thorough approval mechanisms, as opposed through an emergency approval. This is the same process that is applied to all other vaccines approved in Switzerland. So far, no serious side effects have occurred in those who have been vaccinated.

Generally, it is not a problem to receive the Pfizer/BioNtech's vaccine if you have allergies. Since its approval in other countries around the world, there have been very rare cases (< 5 in 100,000 vaccinated) of people who have had a severe allergic reaction immediately following vaccination with the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine. However in each of the cases the affected person had a previously documented severe allergic reactions to vaccines or medications, or who have been sensitive to any of the vaccine ingredients, have had a severe allergic reaction immediately following vaccination with Pfizer/Biontech. If you have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis) in the past, the cause of which is unknown, we recommend prior clarification with GP (General Practitioner) or by attending our allergy consultation hours (every Thursday afternoon). At present, however, vaccination is not recommended at all if an allergy to ingredients of the Covid-19 vaccine (e.g. PEG) is present. In order to be prepared for unexpected allergic reactions, we have developed an emergency concept. We also have a specially trained medical expert on site.

Please inform us about your known allergies at the beginning of the vaccination appointment. Whether a vaccination can be carried out is decided by the doctor on site. If you are unsure, please contact your doctor before the vaccination.

If the allergic reaction to the first dose is considered severe (e.g., anaphylactic shock), you cannot receive the 2nd dose of the same vaccine. At most, a repeated first dose vaccination may be considered if another vaccine is approved. In the event of mild allergic reactions during or after the 1st dose, the 2nd dose may still be considered after consultation and clarification with an allergist.

According to current data, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has a vaccine protection of about 50% two weeks after the first vaccine dose, which increases to over 90% one week after the second dose. It is currently unknown how long this protection remains, but it is something that is being intently monitored.

You should discuss this with your GP (General Practitioner) or with a specialist in infectious diseases. It is safe to vaccinate after a lab confirmed COVID-19 infection. However the extent to which this results in a further benefit beyond the naturally acquired protection is not yet clear on the basis of available data. You need to wait at least three months after the date of your confirmed COVID-19 infection before being vaccinated.

Yes but it is important to discuss this with your treating specialist who can make a recommendation that is tailored to you.

No. Both of these vaccinations generate an immune response against other pathogens. There is no protection against COVID-19.

No serious side effects were reported during the clinical trials for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. About 10% of the people who participated in the trials reported mild side effects after the second dose, similar to those can occur with the flu vaccination. These include fever, fatigue and body aches. These mild symptoms usually disappeared within 24 hours. These side effects are not dangerous, but can be unpleasant. In addition, there may be a small localized reaction at the injection site (redness, swelling, pain), comparable to other known vaccinations.

In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, especially in people with known and severe allergies. Our medical professionals are well trained and prepared for responding to any possible allergic reaction.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine uses what is known as mRNA technology. In this process, part of the messenger RNA (mRNA) is used for the vaccine. This partial mRNA contains the blueprint for a surface protein of the coronavirus called a spike protein. Using this blueprint, the body of the vaccinated person produces this protein itself. This protein then, which is harmless to the body, simulates an infection and stimulates an immune defense. This effectively prevents COVID-19 disease.

All components of the vaccine, as well as the protein produced by the body, are completely broken down again. Since only a surface protein is produced, and not the virus itself, no viral replication can occur as a result of the vaccination. The mRNA is rapidly degraded and cannot penetrate the cell nucleus or the genetic material (DNA).

Research on this technique has been ongoing for many years. Its use in the vaccine field is new. However, there are medications based on this principle that are in use today.

The vaccination is free of charge for all who have compulsory health insurance.

After your vaccination, you will stay with us for 15 minutes so that we can provide you with medical care in the event that any side effects occur. If you feel unwell after you leave our Vaccination Center, please contact your GP (General Practitioner), the emergency room or another primary care facility, or the Ärztefon at 0800 33 66 55.

To date, no serious side effects have been reported from the studies. Mild side effects, such as fever, body aches, fatigue and mild pain at the injection site, occurred in about 10 percent of the participants in the clinical trials.

No. All hygiene and social distancing rules must continue to be observed even after the second vaccine dose. There is no evidence yet that vaccinated people do not transmit the virus, even if they themselves will not contract COVID-19.

After receiving consent of the relative/risk person, you can make an appointment for the person with us on our website. If there are any uncertainties or questions, you should first consult your GP (General Practitioner).

Please note that in order to use the space in our vaccination center as effectively as possible, we ask that you do not accompany your relative/risk person to their vaccination appointment. If your relative/risk person needs assistance with their mobility, please see the next question.

One person may accompany you to your appointment. Our Vaccination Center is wheelchair accessible.

You will receive confirmation that you received the COVID-19 vaccine and according to current data, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine offers more than 90% protection against COVID-19. However, it is still uncertain to what extent the virus can be transmitted to others, even by those who have been vaccinated.