Vaccination · Cologny, Geneva
Vaccination at the pharmacy in Geneva
Flu, tick-borne encephalitis, Covid-19, hepatitis and booster vaccines given by our trained pharmacists, without a doctor’s prescription from age 16.
In short
In Geneva, vaccination at the pharmacy is open to anyone aged 16 or over, without a doctor’s prescription, by pharmacists trained in vaccination.
- At Pharmacie de Cologny, our pharmacists give flu, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), Covid-19, hepatitis and booster vaccines after a short health check.
- Vaccinations given at a pharmacy without a prescription are currently paid by you, not by basic insurance.
Which vaccines can I get at the pharmacy?
The canton of Geneva authorises pharmacists to administer a defined list of vaccines to people aged 16 and over. The most requested at our pharmacy are:
| Vaccine | Who it is mainly for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal flu | People aged 65+, chronic illness, pregnancy, carers and anyone wishing to protect themselves | On request |
| Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE / FSME) | Anyone from age 3 exposed to ticks: all of Switzerland except Ticino is a risk area, Geneva included since 2024 | On request |
| Covid-19 | Each autumn, people aged 65+ and people at higher risk from age 16 | On request |
| Hepatitis A and B, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio, measles-mumps-rubella, chickenpox, shingles, pneumococcus, meningococcus, RSV, HPV | Catch-up and boosters, travel preparation, specific risk groups | On request |
Some travel vaccines, such as yellow fever, typhoid, rabies or Japanese encephalitis, are not given in Geneva pharmacies. We can review your vaccination record and refer you to a travel medicine centre: see our travel health page.
Who can be vaccinated at the pharmacy?
- Anyone aged 16 or over, Swiss resident or not.
- No doctor’s prescription needed for the vaccines on the cantonal list.
- Bring your vaccination record (booklet, certificate or app) if you have one, even from another country.
- Children under 16 must be vaccinated by a paediatrician or doctor.
Before each injection, the pharmacist goes through a short health questionnaire with you: allergies, current treatments, fever, pregnancy, immune system. If anything calls for medical advice, for example a previous severe reaction or a weakened immune system, we refer you to your doctor. After the injection, you wait about 15 minutes at the pharmacy, and the vaccination is recorded in your vaccination document.
How does a pharmacy vaccination work?
- Book or drop in. Call us to book a time or check that a vaccinating pharmacist is available.
- Health check. Short questionnaire and discussion in our confidential consultation area.
- Injection. Usually in the upper arm, by a pharmacist trained and certified in vaccination.
- Observation and record. About 15 minutes of monitoring, then your vaccination record is updated and we remind you when the next dose is due.
Is pharmacy vaccination covered by health insurance?
This is the question expats ask most often. Under the current federal rules, a vaccination given at a pharmacy without a medical prescription is not covered by basic insurance (LAMal): you pay the vaccine and the vaccination service yourself. If a doctor prescribes the vaccine, basic insurance covers the cost of the vaccine for recommended vaccinations, but not the injection when it is given at a pharmacy. Since 1 January 2026, recommended vaccinations covered by basic insurance are exempt from the deductible, with only the 10% co-payment remaining.
Following a federal decision in June 2026, basic insurance is due to cover vaccinations given to adults at pharmacies from 1 January 2027, including both the vaccine and the injection, for example for flu and TBE. The practical details are still being finalised; we will update this page. Some supplementary insurance policies already reimburse pharmacy vaccinations: check your policy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get vaccinated at a pharmacy in Geneva without a prescription?
Yes, if you are 16 or older. Pharmacists trained in vaccination can give the vaccines on the cantonal list, such as flu, TBE, Covid-19, hepatitis A and B or tetanus boosters, without a doctor’s prescription.
Do I need an appointment for a vaccination?
Not always. You can drop in when a vaccinating pharmacist is available, but calling ahead on +41 22 735 35 84 ensures you will not wait and that the vaccine is in stock.
How much does a vaccination cost at the pharmacy?
The price depends on the vaccine and includes the vaccine and the vaccination service. Current prices are shown in the table above. Without a medical prescription, the cost is not reimbursed by basic insurance, although some supplementary policies contribute.
Can my teenager be vaccinated at the pharmacy?
From the age of 16, yes. Younger children must be vaccinated by a paediatrician or general practitioner.
I have a vaccination record from another country. Is it valid in Switzerland?
Yes, vaccinations given abroad count. Bring your record and we will check which boosters you may need according to the Swiss vaccination schedule, which sometimes differs from that of your home country.
Can I have the flu and Covid-19 vaccines on the same day?
According to the Swiss recommendations, the two vaccines can generally be given at the same visit, one in each arm. Our pharmacist confirms this with you during the health check.