November 11: Flu Vaccination Day
November 11 is National Flu Vaccination Day. For 30 francs, you can be vaccinated against the flu in many doctors' surgeries without having to book in advance.
Seasonal flu is on the rise again this year. The Federal Office of Public Health recommends that people get vaccinated over the next few weeks to build up their immune system's defenses before the flu epidemic breaks out. To this end, the annual National Flu Vaccination Day will be held on November 11. It offers the opportunity to get vaccinated in participating medical practices to be immunized without prior notification at a reduced cost of CHF 30.
Risk groups
Influenza leads to thousands of hospitalizations and around 1500 deaths in Switzerland every year. People over the age of 65, babies and premature infants, pregnant women and people suffering from certain chronic illnesses or immune deficiencies are particularly affected by complications and deaths.
The FOPH recommends vaccination in particular for people who fall into these risk categories or who regularly come into contact with such people in their family or as part of their private or professional activities.
Avoid infection
To avoid infection, the FOPH also recommends observing hygiene measures, especially during the flu season. These include
- Wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water
- Cough or sneeze into a paper handkerchief. After use, this should be disposed of and hands washed thoroughly.
- If a handkerchief is not available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm - not into your hands
- If you have flu symptoms, stay in bed until the fever has subsided for at least a day.
