Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Cholera Vaccine

Cholera

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Cholera

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness. It is caused by ingesting Vibrio Cholerae. It presents as a sudden onset of water diarrhoea. Introduction into the bowel occurs via ingestion of faecally contaminated water or shellfish or other foods. Cholera is common in poverty stricken countries where there is bad sanitation and poor access to drinking water

Vaccination Pricing

Dukoral – £45 Per dose / £90 Per Course
Vaxchora – £85 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

Cholera can be mild or occur without symptoms in healthy individuals.

Symptoms include:

  • Sudden onset of watery diarrhoea

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Dehydration

  • Shock in severe cases

  • Death occurs in 50% of those untreated with severe complications

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

177 Stourbridge Rd, Halesowen, B63 3UD

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

29 High St, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6HF

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

Email: westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

westmidstravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Castle Street, Bilston, WV14 9DD

The Vaccination – Dukoral Vaccine

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
2-6 3 at least one week apart Last dose up to day before* 6 months
6-85 2 at least one week apart Last dose up to day before* 2 years

The Vaccination – Vaxchora Vaccine

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
22-85 1 single dose 10 days before –

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal illness caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is a potentially life-threatening disease, characterised by rapid loss of body fluids, which can lead to severe dehydration and even death if left untreated. Cholera is most common in areas with poor sanitation, limited access to clean drinking water, or during humanitarian crises where infrastructure has broken down. While cholera can affect people of all ages, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Though rare in the UK, it remains a serious health risk in parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.

Cholera spreads primarily through the consumption of contaminated water or food, especially in areas with inadequate sewage treatment or drinking water purification. Outbreaks are commonly linked to unsafe water supplies, raw or undercooked seafood, street food prepared in unhygienic conditions, or poor hand hygiene. The bacteria multiply rapidly in the intestines and are shed in the faeces of infected individuals, potentially contaminating communal water sources. Prevention is based on good sanitation and hygiene practices, such as drinking only boiled or bottled water, eating well-cooked food, washing hands regularly, and avoiding raw produce in high-risk regions. The oral cholera vaccine offers additional protection for travellers visiting areas where outbreaks are common.

Symptoms of cholera typically develop within 2 to 5 days of infection and range from mild to severe. In many cases, there are no symptoms at all, but in symptomatic individuals, the hallmark sign is profuse watery diarrhoea, often described as “rice water stools” due to its pale, milky appearance. This may be accompanied by vomiting, muscle cramps, and rapid dehydration. If not treated promptly, cholera can cause shock, kidney failure, and death within hours. However, with timely treatment, even severe cases can be managed effectively. Children may show additional signs such as sunken eyes, drowsiness, dry mouth, and an absence of tears when crying.

The oral cholera vaccine, Dukoral, offers short-term protection and is often recommended for travellers to high-risk areas. For adults and children over six years of age, two doses are required at least one week apart, and full protection is achieved roughly one week after the second dose. The vaccine provides protection for up to two years in adults and up to six months in children aged two to six years. A booster dose is needed if travel is planned again beyond that time frame. While not 100% effective, the vaccine reduces the severity and risk of infection and is best combined with strict food and water hygiene practices.

The cholera vaccine is not required for general travel, but it may be recommended for individuals travelling to cholera-endemic regions, especially during known outbreaks or for those working in humanitarian or medical roles. Countries where the vaccine may be advised include parts of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Mozambique, Yemen, Haiti, and certain sub-Saharan African nations. The risk is highest in areas with inadequate sanitation and a recent history of cholera transmission. Travellers going to rural areas, refugee camps, or engaging in long-term stays should consult a travel health clinic or GP well in advance of departure to assess their risk.

The oral cholera vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated, with most side effects being mild and short-lived. Common side effects may include abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, or a headache, especially shortly after taking the dose. These symptoms usually resolve within a day or two. Rarely, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction. Because the vaccine is taken orally and contains killed bacteria, it does not carry the same risks as injectable vaccines. It is not suitable for individuals with severe gastrointestinal issues or for those who are immunocompromised, unless advised by a healthcare provider. Overall, the vaccine is a useful preventive measure, particularly for those at higher risk of exposure.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

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