Vaccinations during pregnancy: protection for mother and child
Kirsten Grosse Lackmann
November 5, 2026
5 min
Which vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy? Find out how you can protect yourself and your child against flu, COVID-19 and RSV, when the best time to get vaccinated is, and which costs are covered by basic health insurance.
Certain infections can take a more severe course during pregnancy or lead to complications for both mother and baby. At the same time, some vaccinations can protect more than just the expectant mother: maternal antibodies are passed on to the unborn baby via the placenta and can provide important protection during the first few months of life.
In Switzerland, there are therefore specific vaccination recommendations for pregnant women. Vaccinations against influenza (flu), COVID-19 and RSV are particularly relevant. Which vaccination is appropriate in each individual case depends, amongst other things, on the stage of pregnancy, any existing medical conditions and the time of year.
Influenza: Flu vaccination recommended during every pregnancy
The flu can be more severe during pregnancy than in women who are not pregnant, and the risk of complications increases, particularly in the later stages. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and the Federal Commission on Vaccination (EKIF) therefore recommend that all pregnant women have an annual flu jab. It can be administered at any stage of pregnancy, including during the first trimester.
In Switzerland, the optimal time for vaccination is between mid-October and the start of the flu season. The flu jab can be administered at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccination not only protects the mother but can also benefit the baby: the antibodies produced by the mother are passed on to the child via the placenta and can help protect the baby during the first few months of life.
Partners and other close carers can also benefit: the FOPH also recommends a flu vaccination for people who are in regular, close contact with infants. With the baby’s first few months of life in mind, it may therefore be wise to check your own flu vaccination status.
For pregnant women, the basic health insurance covers the cost of the flu vaccination, provided it is administered in accordance with the applicable medical indication and the other requirements of the health insurance scheme are met. For partners, coverage should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, as the insurance only covers the vaccination if there is a medical indication covered by the scheme.
COVID-19: Recommendations based on individual risk
The recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination were updated in 2026. Currently, the seasonal vaccination in autumn is recommended for pregnant women with certain underlying conditions. For pregnant women without underlying conditions, it is recommended if, following an individual risk-benefit assessment, it is deemed medically necessary, for example in the case of additional personal risk factors.
The ideal time is from September onwards, preferably in the autumn. If you have not yet been vaccinated, you can still catch up later in the winter.
Coverage of the costs is subject to the currently applicable conditions of compulsory health insurance. For pregnant women, the COVID-19 vaccination is covered by basic insurance. During your consultation, we will be happy to discuss with you whether a COVID-19 vaccination is appropriate in your individual situation.
Vaccinations protect not only the expectant mother, but also the baby. Maternal antibodies are passed on to the unborn child via the placenta and can provide important protection during the first few months of life.
RSV vaccination or antibodies after birth?
There are essentially two strategies available for protecting the infant:
- RSV vaccination of the mother during pregnancy
- or administration of a long-acting RSV antibody (nirsevimab, Beyfortus®) to the newborn after birth
Both strategies have the same aim: to protect the baby as effectively as possible against severe illness during their first RSV season. We would be happy to discuss which option is suitable for you on an individual basis.
According to current Swiss guidelines, maternal RSV vaccination is a one-off procedure and is therefore not intended to be repeated in every pregnancy.
Basic health insurance covers the one-off RSV vaccination during pregnancy between 32+0 and 36+0 weeks’ gestation, provided the estimated due date falls between October and March. For other adults, compulsory health insurance does not currently cover the costs in principle, even outside of pregnancy and regardless of age or risk factors.
Cost coverage
The following applies to all vaccinations: Billing is carried out in accordance with the current statutory requirements and the List of Specialities. Since 1 January 2026, no excess has been charged for vaccinations covered by basic insurance under Article 12a of the Health Insurance Ordinance (KLV). However, the statutory 10 per cent co-payment remains in place. Supplementary insurance policies may cover benefits beyond this.
Our advice
We administer vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, following a medical assessment, both at the Frauen-Permanence Zürich and at the outpatient clinic of the Gynaecological Clinic at Zollikerberg Hospital. Depending on the vaccination and the medical indication, partners may also be included.
Please plan your vaccination programme as early as possible in your pregnancy and before the start of the relevant infection season. Timing is particularly important for the RSV vaccine: it is only recommended within a specific window of pregnancy and is covered by basic health insurance.
We would be happy to review your current vaccination status, the current week of your pregnancy and your personal situation with you, and discuss which vaccinations are suitable for you.
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