Who is liable for any vaccination damage?

Who is liable for any vaccination damage?

Answer

The Epidemics Act provides for a government compensation system for cases of severe side effects of a vaccination recommended by the authorities. However, compensation will only be paid for damages that are not otherwise covered (subsidiary liability). In other words, a person suffering damages is only entitled to compensation if the damage has not already been covered by the vaccine manufacturer (product liability), the person administering the vaccination (medical liability) or by social or private insurance.

Federal government compensation is thus intended to mitigate the consequences for those affected if third parties such as the person administering the vaccination or the vaccine manufacturer are not liable. Entitlement to compensation from the federal government will be assessed in each individual case.

You’ll find more information on the Entschädigung und Genugtuung bei Impfschäden (German, French and Italian only) website.

 

What side effects can occur after the vaccination?

What side effects can occur after the vaccination?

Answer

Side effects are possible with any vaccination. They are usually mild to moderate and subside quickly.

Common side effects include reactions at the injection site such as pain, redness and/or swelling, headaches and fatigue. Muscle and joint pain and general symptoms such as chills, feeling feverish or a high temperature may also occur.

In very rare cases, severe side effects may be felt. A small number of people, for example, have experienced a severe allergic reaction directly after being vaccinated, with symptoms such as severe swelling, redness, itching or difficulty breathing. In very rare instances, an inflammation of the heart muscle or of the outer lining of the heart has been observed within 14 days of the vaccination. These cases have generally been mild and easily treatable. Typical symptoms of such inflammation of the heart muscle are chest pain, difficulty breathing and palpitations, which usually occur within 2 weeks of the vaccination.

Further side effects may also be felt, with symptoms of varying durations. If you experience any severe or unexpected condition following a COVID-19 vaccination, contact a doctor, a pharmacist or the place you received your vaccination.

Health problems can develop at any time. So if a health problem does arise immediately after a COVID-19 vaccination, this does not necessarily mean that the vaccination is the cause.

What is mRNA and how does an mRNA vaccine work?

What is mRNA and how does an mRNA vaccine work?

Answer

mRNA stands for messenger ribonucleic acid (“messenger RNA”). The human body produces mRNA naturally and requires it in order to make vital proteins.

The mRNA contained in the vaccine provides the body with information from the coronavirus, thus allowing the body to produce viral proteins. These proteins are then recognised by the body as foreign. They trigger an immune response in the body, which prepares itself to fight the virus. In the event of contact with the virus, the body’s own defences are activated more quickly.

Even though mRNA technology is not yet widely used in vaccines, research in this field has already been going on around the world for around ten years. Other mRNA vaccines have also already been tested in studies.

The vaccines from the manufacturers Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech are mRNA vaccines.

The mRNA administered with the vaccine cannot penetrate the cell nucleus.

Over what period following vaccination can side effects occur?

Over what period following vaccination can side effects occur?

Answer

Most side effects occur shortly after vaccination. As a rule, they are mild and last only a short time. Similar to the side effects of other vaccinations, these are mostly reactions at the injection site (pain in particular, but also redness and swelling) or general symptoms (such as fatigue, headache, aching muscles and joints or fever).

Contact your doctor if the side effects last for a longer period or get worse, or if there is a change in your wellbeing in the weeks after the vaccination.

What applies if I want to be vaccinated for a trip?

What applies if I want to be vaccinated for a trip?

Answer

If you require the vaccination for a trip, you can get vaccinated in accordance with the vaccine authorisations granted in Switzerland. Travel-related vaccinations are given outside the vaccination recommendation of the FOPH and are not covered by health insurance.

Is the COVID-19 vaccination recommended if I am pregnant?

Is the COVID-19 vaccination recommended if I am pregnant?

Answer

Pregnant women can be vaccinated after individual clarification with their doctor. Vaccination can make sense in individual cases because it increases protection from severe disease for several months. A recommended vaccination is free of charge for pregnant women and is covered by their compulsory basic health insurance.

Almost everyone has already come into contact with the coronavirus (through vaccination or infection) and their immune system has dealt with the virus accordingly. The current virus variants tend to cause mild courses of disease in people with no risk factors. Not only that, but the risk of pregnancy complications or premature birth as a result of infection is lower than with previous variants. Pregnant women with no risk factors are therefore no longer considered to be a vulnerable group.

If you are pregnant and have questions about vaccination, talk to your doctor, midwife or maternity nurse.