Coronavirus: Federal Council plans major vaccination offensive
Compared to Europe and other countries, too few people in Switzerland are still vaccinated. To ensure that the measures can be lifted more quickly, the Federal Council wants to follow up with a major vaccination campaign.
In view of the low vaccination rates in Switzerland, the Federal Council wants to invest another 150 million francs in a campaign. Plans include a national vaccination week, around 170 additional mobile vaccination centers, personal talks and vouchers for "vaccinators", i.e. people who were able to convince relatives to vaccinate them. Coronavirus infections are currently declining, according to the FOPH. However, the situation in intensive care units remains tense, the Federal Council writes in a statement.
Demand for vaccinations up only slightly
Because of the high number of non-immune individuals and the highly contagious delta variant, there is still a significant risk of another wave of infection during the cooler fall and winter months, which could place a heavy burden on hospitals, he said.
Around 57 percent of the total population in Switzerland is fully vaccinated. This means that Switzerland has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Europe. With the extension of the certificate requirement, the demand for vaccination has increased somewhat in recent weeks, but in recent days the vaccination rate has already slowed down again.
More vaccination fines and vouchers of 50 francs for "vaccinators
Vaccination is the key to getting out of the crisis, the Federal Council writes. "It is safe and provides very good protection against infection." The Federal Council therefore plans to work with cantons in the coming weeks to reach as many people as possible who are still undecided or still need information.
Plans include a national vaccination week, around 170 additional mobile vaccination points, personal talks and vouchers for vaccination advice. Vaccination buses are also planned, for example, in the village square, at the workplace, on the soccer field, in front of the university, at the shopping center or in front of the disco. Consultation vouchers worth 50 francs are to be given to private individuals who have been able to convince another person to have a vaccination. In addition, the Federal Council has decided that people under the age of 16 and those who have been vaccinated once can continue to be tested free of charge in order to receive a Covid certificate.
Source: BAG
