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European Forum for Vaccine Vigilance
We Stand for Freedom of Choice In Vaccination For All Europeans

Switzerland

EFVV organisations in Switzerland:

Other pro-choice organisations:

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Vaccination policy

There are no compulsory vaccinations for babies in Switzerland.

In 2013, 60% of Swiss people voted a law allowing the Confederation to order a compulsory vaccination in case of an epidemic. 40% of the citizen said “NO” to this law and if needed the law will certainly apply with no severity. Unfortunately, most daycares ask for measles vaccination and more and professional obligations are still severe.

School

Unvaccinated children in Switzerland are allowed in primary schools. Most of the daycares ask for vaccinations (measles and others) and despite being an illegal request, daycare still can decide. Schools follow the law (no vaccines requirements)

Adverse event following immunisation public reporting system

Reports of adverse reactions from professionals and consumers are sent to the six regional centres. The centres process the reports and forward them to Swissmedic national pharmacovigilance centre. When a pharmaceutical industry files an adverse reaction, it reports directly to Swissmedic.

In accordance with the new Law on Therapeutic Products implemented on January 1st, 2002, all serious adverse reactions, either unknown or insufficiently documented must be reported.

Adverse event following immunisation public reporting system

  • result in death;
  • are life-threatening;
  • lead to hospitalization or prolonge it;
  • involve a persistent disability or incapacity;
  • are otherwise considered medically significant (e.g. a medical intervention is needed to prevent a complication).

These suspected adverse reactions should be reported within 15 days; non-serious reactions should be reported within 60 days.A causality between a reaction and a medicine doesn”t need to be proved; suspicion alone is sufficient to report the event.

Under the Law on Therapeutic Products all professionals entitled to distribute, administer or prescribe drugs are subject to the obligation of reporting suspected adverse reactions.

Consumers are also entitled to report adverse events to drugs. A consultation with the family doctor leading to a joint report deserves the advantage of providing relevant medical details, yet it is not compulsory.