Cholera

When to book the cholera vaccine

Most travellers do not need the cholera vaccine. It may be recommended if you are:

• Travelling to a remote area where cholera is common and medical care is limited
• Working as an aid or relief worker in an area affected by an outbreak
• Travelling to areas with poor sanitation and limited clean drinking water
• Planning an extended stay in a high-risk region

High-risk areas include parts of sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central America and the Caribbean. Book at least 3 to 4 weeks before travel to allow time for both doses.

What is cholera?

Cholera is an infection caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, spread by drinking unclean water or eating food washed in or contaminated by it. Shellfish from contaminated water is a common source. Symptoms usually appear within a few days:

• Severe, profuse watery diarrhoea, often described as rice water stools
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
• Signs of dehydration such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dark or reduced urine, tiredness and dizziness

Dehydration can become dangerous very quickly, particularly in children and older adults, and severe cholera can be fatal within hours without treatment. Seek medical help immediately if you develop severe watery diarrhoea after travelling to a cholera area. Treatment is mainly rehydration with oral rehydration salts, intravenous fluids in severe cases, and sometimes antibiotics. With prompt rehydration, most people make a full recovery.

About the vaccine (Dukoral)

• Taken as an oral drink rather than an injection, mixed with a buffer solution and water
• Given as 2 doses, 1 to 6 weeks apart
• Both doses must be completed at least 1 week before travel
• Avoid eating and drinking for 1 hour before and after each dose
• Protection lasts up to 2 years, after which a booster may be needed
• May be available free through the NHS at some pharmacies, depending on your area

Dukoral also gives some protection against traveller's diarrhoea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), one of the most common causes of stomach upsets abroad.

Preventing cholera while travelling

• Only drink bottled, boiled or purified water
• Avoid ice in drinks
• Do not eat raw or undercooked shellfish or seafood
• Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit and anything washed in unsafe water
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before eating and after the toilet
• Use hand sanitiser when clean water is unavailable

Pack a travel health kit with oral rehydration salts, water purification tablets, hand sanitiser, insect repellent and any prescription medicines you need.

Find the cholera vaccine near you

No GP referral required. Pharmacists experienced in travel health, comprehensive consultations covering cholera, antimalarials and other travel vaccines, and flexible appointment times. Use the postcode search above to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy.