Corona vaccination now possible for people with severe chronic diseases

The Corona vaccination centre of the canton of Zug in Baar has been in operation since 11 January. Now that people over the age of 75 have largely been vaccinated, persons under the age of 75 can now also register for vaccination if they are suffering from a serious chronic disease with the highest risk.

Due to the limited number of doses available, vulnerable groups are still being given preference for vaccinations and, up to now, only people over the age of 75 have been vaccinated. According to the latest press release from the Health Directorate, however, people suffering from diseases that are associated with a high risk of a severe course of the infection can now also register for vaccination. "Vaccination is of the utmost importance for these individuals in order to restore a certain level of normality," explains Health Director Martin Pfister.

"It is gratifying that there is already sufficient capacity to offer vaccinations for these people as well."

The canton of Zug is being guided by the federal government's vaccination strategy, according to which people with clearly defined chronic diseases with the highest risk are to be vaccinated first. This list  includes the following serious diseases:

• Severe heart disease
• Severe hypertension (> 160 mmHg)
• Severe respiratory or kidney disease
• Severe diabetes
• Obesity (BMI >35 kg/m2)
• Immunodeficiency

List of diseases.pdf

"These are very serious diseases, which experience shows can lead to a severe case of Covid disease," explains cantonal physician Rudolf Hauri. Patients are asked to check with their attending doctor whether they have such a disease, and whether vaccination is strongly recommended.

Registration possible online and by phone
The operation of the vaccination centre has got off to a good start in the first week, and the planned vaccinations have been able to be carried out without complications. Registration for the vaccination is possible for the approved groups online on www.corona-impfung-zug.ch.A hotline is also available for questions about online registration or for people without Internet access: 041 531 48 00, Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

500 vaccinations per day currently possible
Almost 2,500 doses of vaccination have now been administered in the canton of Zug, either at the vaccination centre and through the mobile vaccination teams for nursing homes. And more than 200 people have already received their second  dose as well, and are therefore effectively vaccinated. The approval and delivery of the Moderna vaccine will allow capacity to be further expanded, so that more than 500 vaccines can be administered daily from Wednesday. "The capacities and resources are therefore available, and particularly vulnerable people should not hesitate to register for vaccination," says Director of Health Martin Pfister. People over the age of 75 are also still being encouraged to register for the vaccination.