For the full clinical picture on each vaccine — what it covers and the evidence — see The Vaccine Checklist. This article covers Switzerland-specific eligibility, cost, and access routes.

Switzerland's vaccine landscape has two defining features: the cantonal system (each of the 26 cantons administers its own public health programmes, so what's free in one canton may cost money in another) and the insurance question (vaccines that aren't cantonal programme items may or may not be covered by your LAMal or supplementary insurance).

Mpox (Monkeypox)

  • Eligibility: Free for gay and bisexual men at elevated risk — particularly those on PrEP, with multiple partners, or involved in chemsex contexts. This is a federal recommendation that all cantons follow.
  • Vaccine: Imvanex (MVA-BN). Two-dose primary course, four weeks apart.
  • Where: Checkpoints (Zürich, Genève, Vaud, Bern) are the most accessible and explicitly welcoming route. University hospital infectious disease departments also administer it.
  • Booking: At Checkpoint, vaccination is often combinable with a testing appointment. Check your nearest Checkpoint's website for current availability.
  • 2026 context: Renewed mpox circulation in Europe through 2025–2026 has triggered vaccination catch-up campaigns. If you haven't completed your primary course, this is urgent. If you completed a course during the 2022 outbreak, discuss a booster with your clinician.
  • Cost: Free for eligible gay and bisexual men. The federal recommendation covers the cost.

Hepatitis A & B

  • Recommendation: Strongly recommended for gay and bisexual men — both hepatitis A (faecal-oral and sexual transmission, including oro-anal contact) and hepatitis B (sexually transmitted and bloodborne, can cause chronic liver disease).
  • Vaccine: Twinrix (combined hepatitis A + B) is the standard. Three-dose schedule at 0, 1, and 6 months for full protection.
  • Cost: This is where the canton and insurance complexity kicks in:
    • At Checkpoint (cash): Many Checkpoints offer hepatitis vaccination at a cash rate. Expect approximately 80–120 CHF per dose, paid directly — not billed to insurance.
    • Via LAMal insurance: Basic mandatory insurance does not automatically cover hepatitis A vaccination for adults. Hepatitis B vaccination is on the national recommendation list for high-risk groups — billing acceptance depends on your insurer and canton. Some supplementary insurance (Complémentaire/Zusatzversicherung) plans do cover it.
    • Via GP: A GP can prescribe and administer it, billing nominally. Whether insurance covers it depends on how the indication is coded.
  • Practical advice: Ask your Checkpoint directly about their current cash vaccination prices — this is often the simplest and cheapest route, and avoids insurance complexity.
  • Existing immunity check: If you've had prior hepatitis infection or vaccination, a simple blood test confirms immunity before starting a course unnecessarily.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

HPV vaccines protect against strains causing genital warts, anal cancer, penile cancer, and throat cancer. Gardasil 9 covers nine strains and is the current standard.

The cantonal system in practice:

  • Under 26, boys/men: Most cantons include boys in the school-based HPV vaccination programme, either through schools or youth health services. The federal recommendation covers ages 11–26 for males. In practice:
    • Cantons Vaud and Geneva are among the most proactive — vaccination is offered in schools and at youth health centres, often free.
    • Zürich: Free through the cantonal programme up to age 26.
    • Other cantons: Check the cantonal health authority (Gesundheitsamt / Service de la santé) website for your canton.
  • HIV-positive adults, any age: Federal recommendation includes HPV vaccination for HIV-positive adults regardless of age. Discuss with your HIV specialist at your university hospital clinic.
  • Over 26, HIV-negative: Not covered by the cantonal programme or basic insurance in most cases. Privately available at approximately 140–180 CHF per dose × 3 doses = 420–540 CHF total. Available at pharmacies (Amavita, Coop Vitality, Zur Rose) and private GP practices.
  • Where to get it free or subsidised: If you're under 26, contact your cantonal health authority or ask at a Checkpoint — they will know the current local programme.

Meningococcal Vaccines

Not routinely funded for most adults in Switzerland. For HIV-positive individuals, vaccination against meningococcal disease (ACWY and B strains) is recommended — discuss with your HIV specialist. Available privately otherwise.

Practical Notes on Cost and Insurance

  • Cash at Checkpoint vs. insurance billing: For hepatitis and mpox, Checkpoints offer cash pricing that avoids the deductible/Tarmed complexity. This is often cheaper for people with high franchises.
  • Supplementary insurance (Complémentaire/Zusatzversicherung): Many Swiss residents have supplementary insurance that covers services beyond LAMal. Check your supplementary policy — it may cover hepatitis vaccination, travel vaccines, and other items that LAMal does not.
  • BAG/OFSP: The Federal Office of Public Health (Bundesamt für Gesundheit / Office fédéral de la santé publique) publishes the national vaccination schedule at bag.admin.ch. This is the authoritative source for current recommendations and coverage rules.

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