On Sunday, the NZZ am Sonntag highlighted the risk of getting infected even after being completely vaccinated against Covid-19. According to the paper, there are a number of factors that are responsible for the almost negligible number of such cases. The two vaccines approved in Switzerland, Pfizer/Biontech and Moderna, only offer 95% and 94% protection respectively. In addition, vaccination seems to be less effective in the elderly. The different and new variants of the virus, which are probably more dangerous and more contagious, also play a role. Experts assume that the number of unreported cases is much higher than the figure recorded by the public health office.
The same paper also claimed that the Swiss medicines regulator Swissmedic is expected to authorise vaccines for adolescents by the end of June, citing a well-informed source. The president of the Federal Commission for Vaccinations, Christoph Berger, is a little more cautious and hopes that the vaccination of 12-15-year olds can begin after the summer holidays. Pfizer/BioNTech submitted an application to Swissmedic ten days ago for authorisation for this age group. A Swissmedic spokesperson refused to commit to a date when the vaccine for teens will be approved. Canada and the US already vaccinate adolescents.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
As Covid passports come to Europe, what will Switzerland do?
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Estonia and Denmark have a Covid certificate. The Swiss solution is expected this summer, but it is not yet clear how it will be used.
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