Nearly two of the four flu vaccines ordered for Switzerland for the 2026/2027 influenza season are facing delivery delays. Does this mean you could get your shot too late?
The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) confirmed the delays in the delivery of certain batches of flu vaccines, pointing out, however, that ‘only’ about 40 percent of the doses ordered by the government will be supplied late.
The other 60 percent, on the other hand, will be delivered on time.
Why are there delays?
The flu vaccine is manufactured anew each year, with its components based on specific viruses expected to circulate in the winter.
This assessment relies, among other things, on data from countries in the Southern Hemisphere and Asia, where the flu season begins earlier.
According to Enea Martinelli, vice-president of PharmaSuisse umbrella association “the World Health Organisation determined the composition [of the flu vaccine] relatively late in the year,” resulting in delayed production.
Therefore, Switzerland is not the only country in Europe affected by delays.
Will there be enough vaccine doses for everyone?
Certainly enough for high-risk individuals.
Based on information from manufacturers, the FOPH anticipates that sufficient doses will be available in time – especially the high-dose vaccine for people aged 75 and older, as well as for high-risk groups aged 65 and older.
The vaccine’s availability for the rest of the population is also guaranteed, though it is not yet known whether the delayed batches will be delivered within the timeframe for the vaccine’s effectiveness.
When is the best time to get an influenza shot in Switzerland?
Though sometimes the flu season begins earlier – as was the case in 2025 – the peak usually occurs between December and February.
Therefore, vaccinations are recommended during November, as it takes approximately two weeks for the immunity to take effect.
