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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

From accessibility to vaccinations: Here you will find frequently asked questions about travel medicine.

Accessibility

I have difficulties with hearing/speaking and need help. Can someone accompany me?

Yes, you are welcome to bring a companion to facilitate communication. If you do not have a translation companion, please contact us by email (zrm@ebpi.uzh.ch) before booking an appointment. We can then check internally to see if we have a suitable consultant on site.

I have difficulty walking and need help. Can someone accompany me?

Yes, one person may accompany you during the appointment. Our clinic is also wheelchair accessible.

Book an Appointment

How do I book an appointment?

Appointments can be booked online. If this does not work, you are welcome to contact us by e-mail (zrm@ebpi.uzh.ch) or by telephone (+41 44 634 60 00).

In order to receive a vaccination or consultation with us, a prior appointment is necessary.

What do I need to bring to the appointment?

For your appointment at the Center for Travel Medicine, you should ideally take your health insurance card, all vaccination documentation and previous antibody tests with you. For a travel consultation, it may also be worth taking the exact travel information (travel date, destinations, etc.) with you.

Do all persons have to be present for group appointments?

Yes, we recommend that everyone in the group is present, as each travel consultation involves an average of 2 vaccinations per client. If not everyone can be present, make sure that each additional vaccination booklet corresponds to one person when choosing the date.

Why is it important that I choose the right appointment type?

The different appointment types have different lengths: a travel consultation takes longer than a routine vaccination check or booster vaccination.

Booking the wrong type of appointment can lead to longer waiting times for other customers. Therefore, if an appointment is booked incorrectly, a postponement must be expected.

Reference Vaccination Center

Do I need a coronavirus vaccination for my trip?

This depends on the destination. Due to short-term changes to the entry regulations of individual countries, we recommend that you check these yourself before departure. Entry requirements can be found, for example, on the respective embassy website or from the airline. When entering the country, it is often required that the last vaccination must be at least 1 - 2 weeks prior to entry to complete the basic immunization or booster vaccination. We therefore recommend that you check the entry requirements 2 - 3 weeks before departure.

In which countries does COVID-19 occur?

The disease is widespread worldwide.

Do you carry out COVID-19 vaccinations?

Yes, you can find more information about the COVID-19 vaccination on our website under COVID-19.

Testing

Is your laboratory ISO 15189 certified?

Yes, our laboratory is ISO 15189 certified. If you are travelling to a country that requires a specific ISO certification, please contact the respective embassy to find out whether our accreditation is recognized.

Do you carry out COVID-19 tests?

Yes, we currently only offer PCR tests for adults and children without coronavirus symptoms at our COVID-19 test center.

Fees and Payment

How much does a vaccination cost? How much does a travel consultation cost?

All prices for vaccinations and other services can be found on our website under the heading Our Prices.

The price for a vaccination is made up of the consultation costs + vaccine costs + one-off injection costs. This varies depending on the vaccination.

The price for a travel consultation depends on the duration.

I don't have enough money for vaccinations. What can I do?

Please contact us by e-mail (zrm@ebpi.uzh.ch) before you book an appointment

How do I pay?

You can pay directly after your consultation using TWINT or a debit or credit card (except American Express). We also offer the option of paying by invoice.

Do I have to pay the bill on site?

Yes, you must pay the bill directly on site. You will receive a reimbursement voucher from us at the time of your visit, which you can submit to your supplementary or basic health insurance. Statutory health insurance usually reimburses the recommended routine vaccinations as well as some other vaccinations and vaccinations for people with an increased risk of exposure or complications (provided the deductible/excess has already been used up). We have found that the larger health insurers such as Helsana or Sanitas are more willing to accept our invoices. However, we cannot say with certainty whether your insurance company will cover a vaccination for you or not. Please clarify this with your health insurance company.

Which vaccinations are covered by health insurance?

All vaccinations included in the specialty list are covered by basic health insurance. As a rule, this includes all basic vaccinations. However, some vaccinations are subject to certain conditions.

Travel vaccinations are generally not covered unless you have supplementary insurance.

Please note that costs may still be incurred (provided the deductible and excess have not been used up).

HPV, TBE, Shingles or Flu Vaccination

I have a question about the HPV, TBE, shingles or flu vaccination. Where can I find information on this?

All information on HPV, TBE, shingles and flu vaccinations can be found on our website in the Just-a-Shot section.

Routine Vaccinations

I have a question about routine vaccinations. Where can I find information on this?

All information on routine vaccinations and advice (excluding travel) can be found on our website under the heading Routine Vaccination Check.

Travel-Related Vaccinations

I have a question about a travel vaccination or travel diseases. Where can I find information on this?

All information on travel vaccinations and diseases can be found on our website under the heading Pre-Travel Advice.

Research

I am taking part in a study. Where do I have to go?

We have various study rooms in different buildings. At the beginning of your studies you will have received a study e-mail and a study telephone number. Call them before your visit to find out more. If you cannot reach anyone, please contact the reception at the Center for Travel Medicine (Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zurich).

I am ill after taking part in a study. What do I have to do?

At the start of the study, you will have received a study email and a study telephone number. In urgent cases, you should also contact your family doctor or an emergency ward immediately.

Sexual Health Consultation

What sexually transmitted diseases are there?

There are many different sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, gonorrhea and HPV. During our sexual health consultation, we will be happy to inform you about the prevention of various sexually transmitted diseases and testing options. You can make appointments online.

Further information on sexually transmitted diseases can be found on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

What does a sexual health consultation involve?

All information can be found on our website under the heading Sexual Health Consultation.

Medication/Products

I need another prescription medication. How do I get it?

Medication prescribed by a medical specialist requires a medical consultation.

This usually takes place during a travel consultation or a vaccination book check. If you have had a medical consultation with us within the last few weeks and need a prescription medication again, you are welcome to contact us by e-mail (zrm@ebpi.uzh.ch) or by telephone (+41 44 634 60 00).

Pre-Travel Advice

What is travel medicine?

Travel medicine is not only concerned with the health promotion of international travelers, but also with the health promotion of the population, cultures and regions visited by travelers.

Can I be vaccinated directly after the travel consultation?

Yes, if a vaccination is recommended, this can be done immediately after the travel consultation with us.

What does a travel consultation involve?

A travel consultation includes tailored information on travel and health risks. This also includes a discussion of vaccinations, medication and risk behavior. Vaccinations can be given directly after the consultation and most travel-related medication can be obtained directly from us.

I have lost my vaccination booklet. Can I still travel?

Entry into certain countries is not possible without proof of vaccination (vaccination booklet). Typical vaccinations that must be shown when entering a country include the yellow fever vaccination. It is best to report to the place where the vaccination was carried out so that the vaccination booklet can be reissued.

In which case is a travel consultation recommended?

If you are planning a trip to a country outside Europe and North America, it is always worth booking a travel consultation with us. You can also find further medically relevant information about your destination at HealthyTravel.ch.

I am traveling to a country outside Europe and North America. What vaccinations do I need?

Which vaccinations you actually need depends on the country, the duration of your trip, the planned activities and your risk behavior. To get the best possible recommendation for your trip, it is worth coming to us for a travel consultation. You can also find further information at healtytravel.ch.

When should I book a travel consultation?

Ideally, you should book a travel consultation 5 - 6 weeks before you travel so that any vaccinations can take place in good time and you can enter the country with peace of mind.

Humanitarian Mission

I am doing a humanitarian assignment in a country outside Europe and North America. What do I need?

This depends on the region as well as your tasks and activities. You are welcome to book a travel consultation with us so that we can prepare you optimally for your assignment.

Mosquito Protection

What is the best way to protect yourself from mosquitoes?

We recommend the following mosquito protection measures:

  • Covering clothing
    If your skin is not exposed, mosquitoes and ticks will find it difficult to bite you. It is therefore advisable to cover your skin as much as possible (i.e. wear long pants and shirts). Also wear shoes and high socks so that your ankles and feet are not unprotected. This is particularly important to protect yourself from ticks, as some insect sprays are not as effective against ticks.

  • Mosquito nets
    The Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria, only bites between dusk and dawn. For this reason, mosquito nets placed over the bed can keep you safe while you sleep.

  • Insect sprays
    The good thing about mosquito sprays is that they work until they are washed off. This means you only have to reapply the spray once it has been washed off. However, it is important to make sure that mosquito sprays for the skin do not contain a high concentration of DEET (30+%), as this active ingredient can attack human nerves, which can be dangerous. In addition to spraying mosquito repellents directly onto the skin, other sprays can (and should!) also be used on clothing and mosquito nets to further deter mosquitoes.
Various items for mosquito and tick protection are available in our clinic's own pharmacy.

Parasites

How do I protect myself from parasites when traveling?

This depends on the parasite. You can protect yourself against schistosomiasis, for example, by avoiding stagnant freshwater. Good food hygiene - “cook it, boil it, peel it or leave it!” - can help prevent intestinal parasites. This means that food should be eaten cooked or fried and fruit should be peeled. If this is not possible, you should refrain from eating it. You can find more information on traveler's diarrhea here on our website.

Pregnancy

I am pregnant and am traveling to a country outside of North America and Europe. What do I need to bear in mind?

We generally advise against traveling to countries outside of Europe and North America during pregnancy. However, if you still want or need to travel, we will be happy to advise you. You can book an appointment directly online with us.

You can also find out more about traveling while pregnant in our blog.

Sex and Travel

How great is the risk of sexually transmitted diseases when traveling?

The risk of sexually transmitted diseases depends on individual behavior and local distribution. For example, HIV is more common in Africa than in other continents. To reduce the risk of transmission, it is important to observe safer sex rules. We will be happy to discuss these with you during a travel consultation.

You can also find more information on safer sex on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).

Traveling with Children

I am traveling with children. What do I need? What do I need to look out for?

Children are more susceptible to diarrhea, accidents, sunburn, animal bites or scratches and other risks during a trip. You can find more information on this at healthytravel.ch under the heading Special Travelers.

To get the best advice for your trip, it is worth booking an appointment. You can find more information here in our blog.

Routine Vaccination Check

What does a routine vaccination check involve?

During a vaccination book check, your previous vaccinations are checked and recommendations for further vaccinations are made accordingly. Only vaccinations that are relevant for Switzerland will be discussed. Vaccinations can be given immediately after the consultation with us.

However, if you would like to find out about the recommended vaccinations for your upcoming trip, you are welcome to book a travel consultation.

I was vaccinated against a disease as a child. Is my vaccination still sufficient?

This depends on the number of doses and the vaccine you received as a child. It is worth booking an appointment with us so that we can make a recommendation tailored to you.

Am I up to date with my vaccinations?

If you do not know whether your vaccinations are up to date, we recommend that you make an appointment for a routine vaccination check.

In addition, the Swiss vaccination schedule of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) provides an overview of all recommended vaccinations.

Vaccinations

Are there compulsory vaccines in Switzerland?

No, there is currently no mandatory vaccination throughout Switzerland. In the cantons of Geneva and Neuchâtel, diphtheria vaccination is mandatory for children (as of May 2022).  Several vaccines are recommended in Switzerland as a basic or supplementary vaccination. The Swiss vaccination schedule of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) provides an overview. With a few exceptions (e.g. rotavirus vaccination), the same vaccinations are recommended for adults as for children.

Which titer/antibody tests do you offer?

We offer all antibody tests that are relevant for travel and vaccination consultations. We recommend that you book an appointment with us for a vaccination book check so that we can give you the best possible advice.

I have a syringe phobia (fear of injections). What can I do? What options are there?

As a temporary interim solution, Emla-Crème can be applied to the affected skin area at least 1 hour before the vaccination. This causes local anesthesia of the skin. As most vaccinations are injected into the muscle, slight pain may still occur during the injection. Emla-Crème is only available on prescription. You should therefore ask your GP or Telmed provider whether it can be used in your case. You can inform us about your syringe phobia before your appointment so that our staff can take special measures to make your visit as relaxed as possible. As a long-term solution, it is worth treating a syringe phobia with a psychologist or psychiatrist. There are simple and effective therapies that are also worthwhile for the future.

What are the most common side effects of vaccination?

The most common side effects of vaccination are local pain, redness and swelling at the injection site as well as tiredness and headaches for a few days.

Can I exercise after a vaccination?

Exercise has no influence on the protective effect of the vaccination. However, you should refrain from unusual or extensive physical activity for the next few days, as otherwise you will experience both vaccination side effects and side effects of sporting activity (e.g. additional tiredness, arm pain, etc.).

Can I drink alcohol after a vaccination?

Alcohol has no influence on the protective effect of the vaccination. However, you should refrain from excessive alcohol consumption for the next few days, as otherwise you will experience both vaccination side effects and side effects of alcohol consumption (e.g. additional tiredness, headaches, etc.).

Can I have sex after a vaccination?

Sex has no influence on the protective effect of the vaccination. However, you should refrain from unusual or extensive physical activity for the next few days, as you will then have the side effect of physical activity in addition to the side effects of the vaccination (e.g. additional tiredness, additional arm pain, etc.).

Can I shower after a vaccination?

Yes, you can shower after a vaccination.

I am pregnant and need a vaccination. Is that possible?

Yes, there are vaccinations that are specifically recommended during pregnancy (e.g. pertussis, influenza). Other vaccinations should be avoided (e.g. yellow fever vaccination). You can find out more about the whooping cough vaccine in our blog.

I am immunosuppressed and need a vaccination. What should I bear in mind?

You should be careful with certain vaccinations during immunosuppression, other vaccinations are not a problem. Depending on the level of immunosuppression, it can be assumed that the vaccination provides less protection. It is worth booking an appointment so that we can make a recommendation tailored to you.

I am taking HIV medication. Can I get vaccinated?

Yes, all vaccinations can generally be given if HIV therapy is well controlled. If there is a certain degree of immunosuppression due to HIV, you should be careful with certain vaccines. It is worth booking an appointment with us so that we can make a recommendation tailored to you.