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.
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Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
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On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
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The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
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The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
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The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
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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