Travel · Vaccines, first-aid kit, malaria

Travel vaccinations and health advice in Geneva

Before a trip abroad: check your vaccinations, prepare a first-aid kit and get the right advice for your destination.

In short

For travel vaccinations in Geneva, come to Pharmacie de Cologny four to six weeks before you leave: a pharmacist checks your vaccination record, gives boosters and travel vaccines such as hepatitis A and B from age 16 without a prescription, and helps you prepare a first-aid kit.

For yellow fever, rabies or malaria tablets, we refer you to a doctor.

Which travel vaccines can I get at the pharmacy?

Many trips only require your routine vaccinations to be up to date, plus hepatitis A for most destinations outside Western Europe and North America. Recommendations depend on the country, the season, the length of stay and the type of travel. The official Swiss travel medicine website, healthytravel.ch, gives up-to-date advice for each country.

Vaccine	At our pharmacy (16+)	Doctor or travel clinic
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B	Yes	Also possible
Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio boosters	Yes	Also possible
Measles-mumps-rubella, chickenpox	Yes	Also possible
Meningococcus	Yes	Also possible
Tick-borne encephalitis (Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia)	Yes	Also possible
Yellow fever	No	Authorised yellow fever vaccination centres only
Typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, cholera	No	Travel medicine consultation

Prices for pharmacy vaccinations: On request per vaccine; vaccination consultation On request.

Some vaccines require several doses spread over weeks, which is why it is worth planning early. Leaving at short notice? Come anyway: one dose often already gives useful protection. See also our vaccination page and the tick vaccine if you hike in Europe.

Malaria: tablets or emergency treatment?

Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites in many tropical countries. Depending on the destination, Swiss recommendations advise either preventive tablets, an emergency standby treatment, or mosquito bite prevention alone. Antimalarial medicines require a medical prescription. In all cases, protecting yourself from bites remains essential:

an effective insect repellent suitable for tropical areas, reapplied as directed;
long, light-coloured clothing in the evening and at night;
an impregnated mosquito net where needed.

Important

Fever after a trip to the tropics?

Any fever during or within three months of returning from a malaria area needs to be checked by a doctor the same day, even if you took preventive tablets.

Your travel first-aid kit

Abroad, finding the right medicine can be difficult. We help you prepare a kit adapted to your destination, your family and your health. A good basic kit includes:

your regular treatments in sufficient quantity, in their original packaging, with a copy of your prescription;
a painkiller and fever reducer, and a thermometer;
treatment for diarrhoea and oral rehydration salts;
disinfectant, plasters, sterile dressings and blister pads;
sun cream with a high protection factor and after-sun care;
insect repellent and a soothing cream for bites;
a remedy for travel sickness if needed, and any allergy treatment.

Phytopharma

Apricoderm Sun SPF 50, 200 ml

29.85 CHF Add

Pure Altitude

Sun Cream SPF 50, 30 ml

34.90 CHF Add

Marvis

Strong Mint Mouthwash, travel size, 30 ml

6.50 CHF Add

Long flights and jet lag

On flights of several hours, move your legs, drink water and avoid alcohol. Compression socks reduce swelling and are often recommended for travellers at higher risk of thrombosis: see our compression stockings page. For jet lag, adapting quickly to local meal and sleep times and getting daylight helps most; ask us before using any sleep aid.

Travelling with medicines

Some countries restrict certain medicines, including strong painkillers, sleeping pills and ADHD treatments. Narcotic medicines may require a certificate, and coming back to Switzerland, you may import up to one month’s supply of medicines for personal use. Check the rules of your destination and ask us for help with the paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get travel vaccinations in Geneva?

For hepatitis A and B, boosters, meningococcus and routine vaccines, at pharmacies offering vaccination, such as Pharmacie de Cologny, from age 16 without a prescription. For yellow fever, typhoid, rabies or Japanese encephalitis, you need a travel medicine consultation.

How long before travelling should I get vaccinated?

Ideally four to six weeks before departure, or earlier for a long stay, as some vaccines need several doses. Even at the last minute, a first dose is often worthwhile.

Can I buy malaria tablets at the pharmacy without a prescription?

No. Antimalarial medicines require a medical prescription in Switzerland. We can advise you on bite prevention and dispense your tablets once prescribed.

Are travel vaccinations covered by health insurance?

Travel vaccinations are generally not covered by basic insurance (LAMal). Some supplementary policies contribute: keep your receipts.

What should I put in a travel first-aid kit?

Your regular treatments, a painkiller, anti-diarrhoea treatment and rehydration salts, plasters and disinfectant, sun cream and insect repellent. We adapt the list to your destination and family.