Second Covid vaccine approved for the general population

On January 12, 2021, Switzerland has now also received 200,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, which has already received approval from Swissmedic. The vaccine is suitable for all adults aged 18 years and older without age restriction. Together with Pfizer's and Biontech's active ingredient, the federal government now has half a million doses of vaccine available in January. The federal government has ordered 7.5 million units of Moderna. According to the FOPH, both vaccines would have a similar protective efficacy of 95 and 94 percent, respectively. The army pharmacy distributes the vaccine to the cantons.

Like the active ingredient from Pfizer and Biontech, the Moderna vaccine also relies on the mRNA technology. This is a kind of messenger molecule that carries the building instructions for the production of proteins. This "building instruction messenger" virtually transmits the necessary information to the body's cells as to how they should produce a viral protein. As soon as the protein is produced in the body, the immune system recognizes it as foreign and produces antibodies against the virus. However, according to the FOPH, two doses at intervals of about four weeks are necessary for optimal vaccination protection. The first batch of Moderna vaccine will be delivered in the next few days.

To date, the federal government has procured a total of more than 15 million doses of vaccine from three vaccine producers; in addition to Moderna (a total of around 7.5 million doses) and Pfizer/Biontech (around three million doses), these include the pharmaceutical company Astra Zeneca (around 5.3 million doses). Astra Zeneca's vaccine is still in the approval process at Swissmedic. The federal government is in talks with other vaccine manufacturers. In parallel, Switzerland is participating in the international "Covax Initiative"The aim is to provide access to vaccines for up to 20 percent of the Swiss population and to enable economically weaker countries to gain access to vaccines.

Risk groups and other target groups according to priority

Most cantons have already set up vaccination centers; mobile teams are also deployed in nursing homes. According to the FOPH, the national vaccination strategy gives priority to vaccinating people who are particularly at risk, i.e. older people and those with pre-existing conditions. The second priority is to vaccinate healthcare workers, and the third priority is to vaccinate people who live with people who are particularly at risk. In fourth priority, people in community facilities where there is an increased risk of infection and outbreaks (for example, homes for the disabled) and their staff.

All other adults can be vaccinated as soon as sufficient vaccine doses would be available. Children and pregnant women are not yet included in the target groups of the vaccination strategy, as the relevant study data for these groups are not yet available. There is no vaccination requirement. The Covid 19 vaccination is free of charge for the population.

Source: BAG