Does a vaccination hurt?

The injection is brief and tolerable for most people — many barely feel it. A muscle-ache feeling in the arm for one to two days afterwards is common and a normal sign of the immune response.

Can I be vaccinated despite having a cold?

A mild runny nose without fever is usually not an obstacle. With fever or marked feeling of illness, vaccination is generally postponed — not because it would be dangerous, but to avoid confusing the vaccine reaction with the infection.

I have lost my vaccination record — what now?

Ask previous GP practices for old records. If your vaccination status cannot be reconstructed, the doctor can catch up on missing vaccinations or sometimes check your protection with a blood test — receiving a vaccination twice is generally unproblematic.

Can I receive several vaccinations at the same appointment?

Yes, many vaccinations can be easily combined — the immune system can handle this well, and combination vaccines additionally reduce the number of injections. The doctor will plan the appropriate combination.

Where can I get vaccinated in Switzerland?

At your GP practice, for children at the paediatrician's practice — and many vaccinations for adults are also offered by pharmacies. For travel vaccinations there are also specialized travel medicine consultation centers.

Am I protected immediately after vaccination?

Protection builds up over about one to three weeks; with vaccination series, it is complete only after the scheduled doses. Therefore plan travel vaccinations well in advance — ideally several weeks before departure.

Vaccinations — Procedure, Preparation & Cost

Vaccinations train the immune system specifically against certain pathogens before they can cause illness. They are among the most effective and best-studied interventions in medicine — from infancy through booster shots in adulthood to travel and flu vaccinations. Which vaccinations make sense for you depends on the Swiss vaccination schedule and your personal situation.

Typical Areas of Use

Basic immunization in childhood
Booster vaccinations for adults, such as against tetanus
Annual flu vaccination for at-risk groups
Travel vaccinations
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
HPV vaccination for adolescents

How It Works

1First, your vaccination status is checked using your vaccination record or electronic vaccination file and compared against the Swiss vaccination schedule.
2The doctor briefly reviews your health status, previous vaccination reactions and allergies, and answers your questions.
3The vaccination itself is completed in a few moments — usually as an injection into the upper arm muscle.
4Afterwards you remain briefly for observation in the practice or pharmacy, and the vaccination is recorded in your vaccination record or file.

How to Prepare

Bring your vaccination record if you have one.
Mention any acute febrile illness — vaccination is then usually postponed.
Inform the doctor about allergies, previous vaccination reactions, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system.
Wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.

Side Effects & Risks

Common and harmless are pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site for one to two days.
Temporary fatigue, headache and muscle aches, or mild fever are possible — signs of the immune response.
Allergic reactions occur rarely; severe immediate reactions are very rare, which is why brief post-vaccination observation is performed.
Depending on the vaccine, there are very rare specific side effects about which the doctor will inform you before vaccination.

Afterwards — and When to Seek Help

You may move your arm normally after the vaccination — mild discomfort at the injection site and slight malaise the following day are normal and resolve on their own. Many people avoid intensive exercise on the day of vaccination; special rest is usually not necessary. Seek medical advice if you develop high or persistent fever, a markedly increasing swelling, or allergic signs such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or pronounced rash — the latter, if they occur at all, usually appear shortly after vaccination.

Cost & Insurance

The vaccinations of the Swiss vaccination schedule — such as the basic vaccinations for children, recommended booster vaccinations and the influenza vaccination for risk groups — are generally covered by the mandatory basic insurance. As of January 1, 2026, vaccinations covered by the mandatory basic insurance under Article 12a KLV are exempt from the Franchise; the statutory co-payment of 10 percent remains payable. Special rules apply to travel vaccinations, occupationally indicated vaccinations and vaccinations at pharmacies — you generally pay for travel vaccinations yourself, unless a supplementary insurance covers them. This is intended as guidance only, without guarantee; in case of doubt, your health insurer will provide information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a vaccination hurt?: The injection is brief and tolerable for most people — many barely feel it. A muscle-ache feeling in the arm for one to two days afterwards is common and a normal sign of the immune response.
Can I be vaccinated despite having a cold?: A mild runny nose without fever is usually not an obstacle. With fever or marked feeling of illness, vaccination is generally postponed — not because it would be dangerous, but to avoid confusing the vaccine reaction with the infection.
I have lost my vaccination record — what now?: Ask previous GP practices for old records. If your vaccination status cannot be reconstructed, the doctor can catch up on missing vaccinations or sometimes check your protection with a blood test — receiving a vaccination twice is generally unproblematic.
Can I receive several vaccinations at the same appointment?: Yes, many vaccinations can be easily combined — the immune system can handle this well, and combination vaccines additionally reduce the number of injections. The doctor will plan the appropriate combination.
Where can I get vaccinated in Switzerland?: At your GP practice, for children at the paediatrician's practice — and many vaccinations for adults are also offered by pharmacies. For travel vaccinations there are also specialized travel medicine consultation centers.
Am I protected immediately after vaccination?: Protection builds up over about one to three weeks; with vaccination series, it is complete only after the scheduled doses. Therefore plan travel vaccinations well in advance — ideally several weeks before departure.