Vaccinations for children in Switzerland

__Vaccinations protect children__ Vaccinations are the most effective way of protecting children against various potentially severe illnesses, and against possible complications of these conditions. They work by imitating natural infections – but without causing disease symptoms – and inducing an immune response in the body. Some parents are concerned about possible serious side effects of vaccinations. Vaccination will only be recommended if the benefits associated with the prevention of illnesses and complications far outweigh any vaccine-related risks. It should be borne in mind that diseases of childhood still cause deaths in Switzerland as a result of failure to vaccinate or inadequate vaccine coverage.