Switzerland orders 14 million Covid-19 vaccines for 2023
Switzerland is buying at least 14 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine for 2023, in order to provide for its population of 8.7 million “under all pandemic scenarios”.
Seven million of the jabs will be purchased from the Moderna company and seven million from Pfizer/BioNTech, the government wrote on FridayExternal link.
An option to buy seven million further doses from each manufacturer, to be activated “only if needed”, has also been agreed. Up to one million doses of a non-mRNA vaccine will also be purchased from another (unnamed) manufacturer.
The government says the goal is to ensure the supply for the public “under all pandemic scenarios”, but it did not go into detail about what such scenarios might look like. Surplus vaccines would be sold on or given away, it said.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
For 2022, a total of 34 million vaccines are yet available for the Swiss population of 8.7 million, the government said in February – this is more than enough, even in the event of another booster campaign.
Currently some 69% of the entire Swiss population is fully vaccinated; for the population over the age of 12 this figure climbs to 78%. Just under 42% have received a third booster dose.
High case numbers
The pandemic situation in Switzerland is currently one of almost record-high new daily case numbers, but low hospitalisations and deaths. On Friday 32,087 new cases were recorded, with a test positivity rate approaching almost 50%.
Earlier this week, Interior Minister Alain Berset told journalists that the recent hike in cases was to be expected (given the dropping of almost all remaining pandemic restrictions last month) but there was no cause for alarm, as the situation in hospitals was under control.
Two measures remain in place: the wearing of hygiene masks in public transport and a five-day isolation period for those who test positive for Covid. The government intends to lift them at the end of March.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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.
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Covid cases still rising but Swiss government unfazed
This content was published on
The Swiss authorities have recorded a steep increase in new confirmed Covid cases but the situation in hospitals is under control.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.