Why you should get vaccinated

A vaccine or immunisation is the only effective preventive measure against infectious diseases. By vaccinating more and more people, a massive reduction in several infectious diseases has been achieved since the middle of the 20th century, and in some cases there has even been worldwide eradication such as in the case of smallpox or infantile paralysis in Europe.

Vaccination is not mandatory in Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) however updates its vaccination schedule every year together with recommendations on vaccinations and protective measures. Basic vaccinations which are recommended to everyone include:

• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Polio (infantile paralysis)
• Haemophilus influenzae type b
• Hepatitis B
• Measles
• Mumps
• German measles (rubella)
• Human papillomavirus
• Chickenpox

Get your vaccination booklet or vaccination card checked by your pharmacist or family physician as these health professionals can tell you if your vaccination record is up-to-date or whether you need any particular vaccinations. Every vaccination is entered on your vaccination card together with information on the vaccine used.