Flu shot at our Geneva pharmacy

When should I get the flu vaccine?

The ideal window in Switzerland runs from mid-October until the flu epidemic starts, which usually happens between December and February. Protection builds up within about two weeks of the injection and lasts for the season. Because flu viruses change every year, the vaccine is updated each autumn and must be repeated annually.

In 2026, Switzerland holds national vaccination weeks from 2 to 7 November and from 23 to 28 November, for flu, Covid-19 and RSV: a good reminder if you have not yet been vaccinated. Missed October? It is still worth getting vaccinated in November, December or even later, as long as the flu is circulating. Many of our patients combine the flu shot with a stop at the pharmacy before the Christmas holidays or a winter trip home.

Who is the flu shot recommended for?

According to the FOPH, vaccination is particularly recommended for:

• people aged 65 and over;
• pregnant women and women who gave birth less than four weeks ago;
• babies born prematurely, up to the age of 2 (vaccinated by their paediatrician);
• residents of care homes;
• people with a chronic illness from the age of 6 months, such as heart or lung disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system;
• anyone in regular contact with these people, including family members and people who look after babies;
• health and care workers, and people in regular contact with poultry or wild birds.

Anyone else who wants to avoid flu, for example to protect a busy working life, frequent travel or young children at home, can also be vaccinated.

How much does the flu shot cost?

Service	Price
Flu vaccination at the pharmacy (vaccine and injection)	On request
Covid-19 vaccination, if recommended for you	On request

A flu shot given at the pharmacy without a medical prescription is currently not reimbursed by basic insurance (LAMal), so you pay at the counter. For people in the risk groups, the vaccine is covered by basic insurance when it is prescribed by a doctor, with no deductible since 1 January 2026 but with the 10% co-payment. From 1 January 2027, basic insurance is due to cover vaccinations given to adults at pharmacies, including the vaccine and the injection; the practical details are still being finalised. Some supplementary insurance policies and employers already reimburse the flu shot: keep your receipt.

How does it work at the pharmacy?

1. Quick health check. The pharmacist asks about allergies, fever, treatments and pregnancy.
2. Injection. One dose in the upper arm.
3. Short wait. About 15 minutes of observation at the pharmacy.
4. Record. The vaccination is entered in your vaccination record and you receive a receipt.

Side effects are usually mild: a sore arm, tiredness or a slight temperature for a day or two. The flu vaccine contains inactivated virus and cannot give you flu. If you have a high temperature on the day, it is better to postpone.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a flu shot at a pharmacy in Geneva without a prescription?

Yes. In Geneva, pharmacists trained in vaccination can give the flu vaccine without a prescription to anyone aged 16 or over. Children under 16 are vaccinated by their doctor.

When is the best time to get the flu vaccine in Switzerland?

Between mid-October and the start of the flu wave, which usually begins between December and February. Vaccination later in the season is still useful while the flu is circulating.

Is the flu shot free in Switzerland?

No. At the pharmacy without a prescription, you pay for the vaccination yourself. Basic insurance covers the vaccine for risk groups when a doctor prescribes it, and some supplementary policies or employers reimburse it.

Can I have the flu shot if I am pregnant?

Yes, the FOPH recommends flu vaccination for pregnant women, as flu can be more severe during pregnancy and the protection is passed on to the baby. Tell the pharmacist you are pregnant during the health check; if in doubt, we will coordinate with your gynaecologist or midwife.

Can I get the flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same visit?

In most cases, yes: they can be given on the same day, one in each arm. The Covid-19 vaccine is recommended each autumn for people aged 65 and over and for people at higher risk from age 16; the pharmacist checks whether it applies to you.