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Travel health.
Clearly explained.

Cholera vaccine

Oral cholera vaccination provides additional protection for selected travellers at increased risk of cholera.

What is it?

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. Severe disease can cause rapid dehydration.

Where it may be relevant

  • Aid or disaster-relief workers with limited access to safe water and sanitation
  • Travellers to outbreak settings who may be unable to follow safe food and water precautions
  • People staying in remote or high-risk conditions after individual assessment

Dose schedules.

The clinician will select the appropriate licensed schedule after reviewing age, health, previous doses and departure date.

Adult and child course

Age 6 years and over

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Day 7–42

Complete at least one week before possible exposure.

Young-child course

Age 2 to under 6 years

Dose 1Day 0
Dose 2Day 7–42
Dose 3Day 14–84

Three doses are used; complete at least one week before exposure.

Who may be eligible

  • Most adults and children from the product's licensed minimum age when a specific travel risk is present
  • Travellers able to complete the oral course before exposure

Who may not be eligible

  • Anyone with a confirmed severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or a vaccine ingredient
  • People who are acutely unwell with a significant fever may need vaccination deferred
  • Pregnancy, breastfeeding, immune suppression and current medicines must be reviewed individually
  • The oral dose may need separating from food, drink and some medicines
  • Children require the age-appropriate preparation and schedule

Potential side effects

  • Temporary stomach discomfort, nausea or diarrhoea
  • Headache or tiredness
  • An allergic reaction is possible but uncommon

Important risks and precautions

  • A severe allergic reaction is very rare and requires urgent treatment
  • Protection is not absolute, so relevant food, water, bite or exposure precautions remain important
  • The exact product and schedule must be confirmed during a clinical assessment

Clinical references

Further information.

Information is general and does not replace a personal assessment, prescribing decision or the latest destination-specific advice.

Frequently asked questions

What does the cholera vaccine protect against?

It reduces the risk of cholera in selected travellers.

Who should consider the cholera vaccine?

It is not routinely needed for ordinary tourist travel and is reserved for particular exposure conditions.

How many doses of the cholera vaccine are needed?

People aged six and over usually receive two oral doses; children aged two to under six usually receive three.

Can I have the cholera vaccine close to departure?

Book an assessment even when departure is close. Whether vaccination can be completed or still provide useful protection depends on the product, previous doses and time available.

Can the cholera vaccine be given with other vaccines?

Many vaccines can be given at the same appointment, but spacing rules can apply to some live vaccines. The clinician will check the products, your history and the proposed schedule.