International School Parent Magazine - Spring 2024

On the contrary, when herd immunity is
not sufficient, then outbreaks of infection
can occur, and children and adults may die
unnecessarily.
The evidence for herd immunity can be
demonstrated by the successful eradication
of smallpox worldwide and the eradication
of polio in many regions. Through the
concept of herd immunity, by vaccinating
your child, you are not only protecting
them, but you are also helping to protect
the whole population.
In Switzerland, the Federal Office of
Public Health regularly updates their
vaccination recommendations after
consultation with the Federal Commission
for Vaccination, and in collaboration
with Swissmedic (the Swiss Agency for
Therapeutic Products). Any new available
vaccines, any updates on vaccine safety and
efficacy, any changes in disease outbreaks
and any updates to vaccination guidelines
by the World Health Organisation are all
taken into consideration.
In this country, it is currently
recommended that babies and children
have basic vaccinations against:
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (also
known as whooping cough)
• Poliomyelitis (or polio for short)
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (which can
cause meningitis, pneumonia, septicaemia
– generalised blood infection – infections
of the bones, joints, skin and ears, and
epiglottitis – a severe life-threatening
infection of the epiglottis, a flap of tissue
at the back of the throat that closes off the
windpipe while you are eating)
• Hepatitis B
• Pneumococcus (along with Haemophilus
influenzae and meningococcus,
pneumococci are the main cause of
meningitis in children; they can also
cause septicaemia, pneumonia, and ear
infections)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (also known
as German measles)
• Varicella (or chickenpox)
During the teenage years, vaccination
against the human papillomavirus
(responsible for most cervical cancers) is
recommended. From January 2024, this
will be offered to all genders as part of the
basic vaccination schedule. Booster doses of
some of the earlier childhood vaccinations
are also advised during adolescence to
“Vaccinations have become medicine’s
best way to safely protect your child from
a multitude of infectious diseases and their
possible complications.”
‘reactivate’ immunity memory.
Additional (or complementary)
vaccinations may be given to children
whose parents wish to protect them against
some other infections that can lead to rare
but potentially fatal illnesses. They include
those against meningitis caused by Neisseria
meningitidis serogroups B and ACWY which
can be given during infancy, with booster
doses during adolescence. From January
2024, rotavirus is another complementary
vaccination that can be given between the
ages of 2 and 4 months.
Compulsory health insurance covers the
cost of these vaccinations, except for any
deductibles and co-payment. Vaccinations
against human papillomavirus are free of
charge if carried out as part of cantonal
vaccination programmes.
If you have recently moved from another
country, it is worth checking your child’s
vaccination record and comparing what
vaccines they have already received to those
recommended here in Switzerland. You can
view the 2023 Swiss Vaccination Schedule
here in French, German and Italian. The
updated schedule for 2024 will be available
from the end of March.
If you have any questions, or if you think
your child is missing any vaccinations, then
visit your paediatrician who will be able to
advise you further. There is also a telephone
helpline in Switzerland for vaccination
advice: 0844 448 448. The consultation
is free, but you may need to pay the call
charges. Or you can consult www.infovac.ch
for further information.
Take some important steps today to
protect your child and others.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and
should not be used for the diagnosis and treatment
of medical conditions. All reasonable care has been
taken in compiling the information but there is no legal
warranty made to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other
healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of
medical conditions. Dr Michelle Wright or HealthFirst
is not responsible or liable, directly, or indirectly, for any
form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use of
the information contained or implied in this article.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PARENT SPRING 2024 | 49