Switzerland Covid death rate shows irrefutable evidence that boosters work

The latest breakdown of Switzerland’s Covid-related deaths by vaccination status clearly illustrates the lifesaving benefit of the jab.

The latest Covid data from Switzerland has irrefutably illustrated the benefit of the Covid booster against virus-related deaths.

Comparing Covid-related fatalities by vaccination status, the death rate among the unvaccinated was considerably over-represented than those in the ‘fully vaccinated, no booster,’ and the ‘fully vaccinated, booster dose’ group.

From a numerical point of view, Our World in Data’s head of data Edouard Mathieu said that “compared to unvaccinated people, the Covid mortality rate is nine times lower after full vaccination and 48 times lower after a booster”.

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Switzerland is now reporting deaths by vaccination status. PLEASE get triple vaccinated, when you’re eligible. pic.twitter.com/zHvKWUxe9g

— Dr Sandro Demaio (@SandroDemaio) January 17, 2022

According to the latest data, 68 per cent of Switzerland’s population is fully vaccinated, which puts it behind its European neighbours like Germany (72.7 per cent), France (75 per cent) and Italy (76.2 per cent).

The country is currently in the midst of a fifth wave of cases, with authorities reporting a seven-day case average of 25,447. With the increase in cases blamed on the Omicron variant, health experts fear it could overwhelm the Swiss healthcare system.

“Omicron has the potential to push the hospital system to its limits, especially if there is a lack of staff,” warned Rebecca Ruiz, health minister for the country’s western region.

Swiss residents have access to the Pfizer, Novamax, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Janssen vaccines. Picture: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

This comes as Switzerland’s Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) made the act of intentionally catching Covid-19 illegal, after people were found holding “infection parties” in order to obtain a Covid certificate. People who test positive to Covid via a PCR test and can present a positive antibody test are eligible to receive the documentation which functions like the EU digital Covid certificate.

The FOPH said the offence could incur a five-year jail sentence, and blasted the act for having potentially fatal consequences.

“This contributes to accelerate the transmission of the virus and the gravity of the epidemic. People are taking risks [which endanger] their relatives and for society” they advised.

The Australian Government Department of Health estimates that 54.8 per cent of eligible Australians have had their booster, with 92.6 per cent of people over the age of 16 fully vaccinated.

Sharing the Swiss data set, Australian physician Dr Sandro Demaio implored people to book their booster shot.

“Switzerland is now reporting deaths by vaccination status. PLEASE get triple vaccinated, when you’re eligible,” he tweeted.

This daily infographic provides the total number of vaccine doses administered in Australia 🇦🇺 as of 16 January 2022 📅

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccine information here 💻 https://t.co/lsM33j9wMWpic.twitter.com/yzu8ndQgn3

— Australian Government Department of Health (@healthgovau) January 17, 2022

Australians eager for their Covid booster have access to two vaccines: the Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) jab. However, people with medical approval may also access a third dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

While side effects are generally mild, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently announced that swollen lymph nodes were among the most common side effect people report after receiving the booster and can appear around the neck, armpit, chest, abdomen and groin. The small lumps of tissue contain white blood cells that can help fight infections by attacking and destroying germs that are carried through the lymph fluid.

However, the TGA said the reaction was a “normal” side effect of vaccines.

“Swollen lymph doses are a normal and known side effect of vaccines and occurs when the immune system is stimulated,” said the TGA.

“This normally resolves without treatment after a week or so. People should seek medical attention if swelling persists for more than a few weeks to rule out other causes.”