Pneumococcus
When and how often should I be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease?
In Switzerland, pneumococcal vaccination is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule and is recommended in the first years of life. The number of doses depends on the child’s age. A pneumococcal vaccination is also recommended for everyone aged 65 and over as an additional vaccination for personal protection.
For healthy adults under 65, pneumococcal vaccination is generally not recommended, as their risk of severe illness is low. This is different for people with certain chronic conditions or immunodeficiency. Because their risk of severe illness is increased, they should receive a single vaccination.
Price:
92 CHF per dose
plus consultation and injection fee
What else should I know about the pneumococcal vaccine?
Various pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) are approved in Switzerland. Which vaccine is recommended depends on age, individual risk and, in some cases, previous pneumococcal vaccinations. For children under 5 years of age, Prevenar 13® (PCV13) or Vaxneuvance® (PCV15) are currently recommended. For all persons aged 65 and over, the higher-valent PCV vaccines Prevenar 20® (PCV20) or Capvaxive® (PCV21) are recommended. For persons aged 5 and over who are at increased risk of severe disease, the recommendation regarding which vaccine to use depends on age and will be discussed during the consultation.
Pneumovax-23® (PPV23) was used in the past but is now only rarely used. Compared with polysaccharide vaccines, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (such as Capvaxive (PCV21)) trigger a stronger and longer-lasting immune response, particularly in young children and persons at increased risk.
For persons who have previously been vaccinated against pneumococci, an additional one-time dose may be recommended depending on age, risk profile and the vaccine used. Whether an additional vaccination is indicated, and which vaccine should be used, will be clarified individually during the consultation.
Whether the cost of the vaccination is covered by your health insurance or not depends on the respective indication and the vaccine used. This will be discussed during your consultation.
For more information on pneumococcal disease and vaccination, please visit the website of the FOPH.