Cholera Vaccine

What is the Cholera Vaccine?

The Cholera vaccine helps protect against cholera, a bacterial infection that affects the intestines and can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration.

Cholera is usually spread through contaminated food and water and is most commonly found in areas with poor sanitation, limited access to clean drinking water, or during humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.

While the risk for most travellers is low, vaccination may be recommended for those travelling to areas where cholera is present, particularly if they are likely to have limited access to safe food, clean water, or medical care.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of cholera when travelling to higher-risk areas.

The Cholera vaccine is available following a travel health consultation with our qualified travel health team.

It is suitable for adults and children aged 2 years and over.

What Does the Cholera Vaccine Protect Against?

The Cholera vaccine protects against cholera, an infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

The disease is commonly spread through:

• Drinking contaminated water
• Eating contaminated food
• Poor sanitation and hygiene
• Exposure to contaminated environments during outbreaks
• Travelling in areas affected by humanitarian crises or natural disasters

Risk levels vary depending on:

• Your destination
• Length of travel
• Access to safe food and drinking water
• Type of accommodation
• Planned activities
• Local sanitation conditions

Our clinicians will assess your itinerary and advise whether vaccination is recommended.

Who Should Consider the Cholera Vaccine?

The vaccine may be recommended for:

• Travellers visiting areas where cholera outbreaks are occurring
• Humanitarian aid workers and volunteers
• Healthcare workers responding to emergencies
• Backpackers and long-term travellers
• Individuals visiting remote areas with limited access to clean water
• Travellers working in refugee camps or disaster relief settings
• People with an increased risk of severe dehydration if infected

Recommendations vary according to destination and individual risk factors.

Who May Not Be Suitable?

This vaccine may not be suitable if you:

• Have previously experienced a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients
• Are currently unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea
• Are currently unwell with a high temperature
• Have certain medical conditions that require individual assessment

Our clinicians will review your medical history before vaccination.

Vaccination Schedule

The Cholera vaccine is administered as a single oral dose.

Primary Vaccination

Dose 1: Single oral dose

Protection is short-term and intended to cover specific travel-related risks.

Ideally, travellers should receive the vaccine at least 10 days before departure or before entering an area where cholera is present.

However, if you are travelling sooner, vaccination may still be beneficial and our travel health team will advise on the most appropriate course of action.

Booster Doses

Routine booster doses are not currently recommended.

If you are planning future travel to areas where cholera remains a concern, our clinicians can advise whether revaccination may be appropriate.

Benefits of the Cholera Vaccine

• Helps protect against cholera infection
• Reduces the risk of severe diarrhoeal illness during travel
• Particularly beneficial for higher-risk travellers
• Simple oral administration with no injection required
• Suitable for adults and children aged 2 years and over
• Administered following a professional travel health assessment

Travel Health Advice

• Vaccination should be combined with sensible food and water precautions.
• Additional measures include:
• Drinking bottled, boiled, or appropriately treated water
• Avoiding ice in drinks where water safety is uncertain
• Eating thoroughly cooked food served hot
• Avoiding raw or undercooked seafood
• Practising good hand hygiene
• Following local health advice

Even if vaccinated, travellers should continue to take precautions to avoid contaminated food and water.

Possible Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the Cholera vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Fatigue

These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet provided at your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before travel should I take the Cholera vaccine?

Ideally, the vaccine should be taken at least 10 days before potential exposure to cholera to allow adequate time for protection to develop.

How long does protection last?

Protection is relatively short-term and is intended to reduce the risk of cholera during specific periods of travel. Our travel health team can advise whether vaccination is appropriate for your itinerary.

Do I need a booster dose?

Routine booster doses are not currently recommended. Future vaccination decisions are based on your travel plans and individual risk factors.

Can I have this vaccine with other travel vaccines?

Yes. In most cases, the Cholera vaccine can be administered alongside other recommended travel vaccinations. Your clinician will advise on the most appropriate schedule.

Do I need the vaccine for my destination?

Requirements vary depending on your destination, length of stay, accommodation, and planned activities. Our travel health team will provide personalised advice during your consultation.

Are there any side effects?

Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as stomach upset, nausea, headache, or fatigue.