H1N1 flu – Vaccination campaigns under way
Employers should relay information on the flu pandemic (H1N1).
The campaign of vaccination against the flu pandemic (H1N1) was launched. Vaccination is voluntary. In Switzerland, the cost of vaccines is met in full by the Confederation, the cantons and health insurers.
Vaccination is therefore open to everyone, but is initially directed at high-risk categories of the population, for whom it is strongly recommended:
- pregnant women;
- young children;
- people suffering from chronic diseases (in particular respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive broncho-pneumopathy or cystic fibrosis; cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as diabetes; kidney disorders), people presenting with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy;
- people over the age of 65;
- residents of homes or institutions run by medical or social authorities.
To help you decide whether you are part of a high-risk group, the OFSP [Federal Public Health Office] has compiled a short online questionnaire, accessible at the following address: www.pandemia.ch/fr-ch/impfen/grippe-impf-check.html
The website www.pandemia.ch contains links to all cantonal sites.
The following documents are also attached:
- A memo from the OFSP concerning vaccination
http://www.pandemia.ch/files/downloads/091028_bag_impfen_merkblatt_fr.pdf
- A forum document containing (FAQ) on vaccination against the flu pandemic (pdf)
- A forum document containing (FAQ) on vaccines against the flu pandemic (pdf)
Here is a list of hygiene recommendations to be applied on a day-to-day basis:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze;
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water;
- Avoid touching your nose and eyes (this is how viruses spread);
- Avoid intimate/close contact with the sick;
- Stay at home if you are ill.
For general questions, the Federal Public Health Office has set up a hotline on the following number (office hours only): +41 (0) 31 322 21 00