Switzerland childhood vaccination schedule
The vaccines recommended by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) and the Federal Commission for Vaccination (EKIF) for babies, children and teenagers, by age. Based on the Schweizerischer Impfplan 2026.
Vaccines by age
This is the routine plan for healthy children. Switzerland splits it into basic vaccines (Basisimpfungen, recommended for every child) and supplementary vaccines (ergänzende Impfungen, recommended for anyone who wants the extra protection). Supplementary vaccines are marked below.
| Age | Vaccine | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| Before or in the first RSV season | RSV antibody, one dose | RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) |
| 2 months | 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB) Pneumococcal (PCV) Rotavirus (drops by mouth) (supplementary) | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, hepatitis B Pneumococcal infections Rotavirus |
| 3 months | MenB (supplementary) | Meningococcal group B |
| 4 months | 6-in-1 vaccine, 2nd dose PCV, 2nd dose Rotavirus, 2nd dose (supplementary) | As at 2 months |
| 5 months | MenB, 2nd dose (supplementary) | Meningococcal group B |
| 9 months | MMR and chickenpox, 1st dose (usually one MMRV shot) | Measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox |
| 12 months | 6-in-1 booster PCV booster MMR and chickenpox, 2nd dose | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Hib, hepatitis B Pneumococcal infections Measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox |
| 12 to 18 months | MenB booster (supplementary) MenACWY, 1 or 2 doses depending on the vaccine (supplementary) | Meningococcal group B Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y |
| 4 to 7 years | DTaP-IPV booster | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio |
| 11 to 14 years | HPV, 2 doses 6 months apart | Cancers and genital warts caused by HPV |
| 11 to 15 years | dTpa booster MenACWY, 1 dose (supplementary) MenB, 2 doses at least 1 month apart (supplementary) | Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough Meningococcal groups A, C, W and Y Meningococcal group B |
RSV: babies born October to March get the antibody in their first week, unless the mother was vaccinated against RSV in pregnancy. Babies born April to September get it in October. Rotavirus vaccine is only given to young babies. Flu vaccination is recommended only for children with certain health conditions, not routinely.
If your child was born earlier
The plan is updated every year. A few recent changes matter for older children:
Chickenpox (for all babies since 2023)
Before 2023, babies weren't routinely vaccinated against chickenpox. Anyone from 12 months up to their 40th birthday who hasn't had chickenpox or two doses of the vaccine is recommended a catch-up.
MenB, rotavirus and toddler MenACWY (since 2024)
Children born before 2024 usually didn't get these as babies. Missed MenB and toddler MenACWY doses can be caught up until the 5th birthday. Rotavirus vaccine is only given to young babies.
RSV antibody
Only for babies in their first RSV season. Older children don't need it.
Not sure what your child has had? Bring the vaccination record to your paediatrician. They check it against the current plan and offer any missing doses.
Moving to Switzerland with children
- Coming from Germany? See Umzug von Deutschland in die Schweiz (in German).
- Bring your child's vaccination records from abroad. Your paediatrician compares them with the Swiss plan and offers any missing doses.
- There is no vaccination requirement for daycare or school.
- Common differences: Switzerland gives MMR and chickenpox early (9 and 12 months), offers MenACWY to toddlers and teenagers, and offers MenB to teenagers as well as babies.
Moving away from Switzerland
- Ask your paediatrician for a complete copy of the vaccination record before you leave.
- Your new country may schedule vaccines differently. For example, Germany requires proof of measles vaccination for Kita and school, and the UK offers a yearly flu vaccine to children from age 2.
Questions
Are vaccinations compulsory in Switzerland?
No. Vaccination is voluntary in Switzerland. Unlike Germany, there is no legal measles requirement for daycare or school.
Are childhood vaccinations free in Switzerland?
Vaccines covered by basic health insurance (Art. 12a KLV) are exempt from the deductible (franchise) since 1 January 2026. For a specific supplementary vaccine, check with your health insurer.
What is the difference between basic and supplementary vaccines?
Basic vaccines (Basisimpfungen) are recommended for every child. Supplementary vaccines (ergänzende Impfungen), such as MenB, MenACWY and rotavirus, are recommended for anyone who wants the extra protection. Your paediatrician will usually offer both.
What if my child had vaccines in another country?
Take the records to your paediatrician. They check them against the Swiss plan and offer any missing doses. Missed Hib, pneumococcal and MenB doses are caught up until the 5th birthday.
Keep track with VaxFile
VaxFile shows your child's Swiss schedule, reminds you of upcoming doses, and keeps records from every country you've lived in. Free on iOS and Android.
Sources: BAG, Schweizerischer Impfplan 2026 · BAG, Impfungen für Säuglinge und Kinder · BAG, franchise exemption from 1 January 2026
This page summarises the official Swiss recommendations for information only. It isn't medical advice. Your paediatrician decides which vaccines your child needs.
Last checked against the official sources: 7 October 2026.