The arrival of winter is accompanied, as every year, by an increase in respiratory virus diseases. Among them, influenza and COVID-19 can cause serious complications in vulnerable people. The Neuchâtel health authorities recall the importance of vaccination as a means of prevention. They therefore recommend that people at risk get vaccinated against these two viruses from their doctor or pharmacy.
Flu vaccination is recommended from mid-October for people at risk, i.e. people aged 65 and over, people over 6 months old and suffering from a chronic illness (e.g. respiratory or heart disease). ), pregnant women, as well as children born prematurely. The recommendation also concerns, privately or professionally, the entourage of these people at risk: the family environment, medical staff, as well as the staff of nurseries, day centers and medico-social establishments (EMS). People in regular contact with poultry or wild birds are also part of the recommendation.
For its part, vaccination against COVID-19 protects against serious forms of the disease and is recommended for people at high risk of complications, i.e. people aged 65 and over, people aged 16 and over with pre-existing illnesses or with Down syndrome and pregnant women. This vaccination is not indicated for the rest of the population, i.e. people without risk factors.
The Neuchâtel health authorities therefore recommend that people at risk be vaccinated against both seasonal flu and COVID-19. To date, there is no combined vaccine, but the two injections can be given one after the other or at the same time. These vaccinations are covered by compulsory healthcare insurance only for people for whom the vaccine is recommended and if they are carried out by a doctor. For all other people, and for those who are vaccinated in pharmacies, the vaccination is their responsibility.
This year, National Seasonal Flu Vaccination Day will take place on Friday, November 8, 2024. On that day, it will be possible to be vaccinated without prior appointment, without consultation and at the indicative price of 30 francs in all locations. medical offices and the partner pharmacies of this action. This day is an initiative of the College of Primary Care Physicians (CMPR/KHM), in cooperation with the Federation of Swiss Doctors (FMH), the Swiss Society of Pharmacists (PharmaSuisse) and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
More information on www.ne.ch/grippe and www.ne.ch/coronavirus
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